The Golden Asse

by Lucius Apuleius

Adlington's translation, 1566


"The xi Bookes of the Golden Asse, conteininge the
Metamorphosie of Lucius Apuleius."  First Edition "Imprinted
at London in Fleetstreate at the signe of the Oliphante, by
Henry Wykes, Anno. 1566." (Q'to).  Reprinted 1571 (Q'to),
1582 (Octavo), 1596 (Q'to), 1600 (Q'to), 1639 (Q'to).

Reprinted from the edition of 1639 by Simpkin Marshall Ltd,
London, 1933, with T. Petronius Arbiter's "The Satyricon"
and Longus' "Daphnis and Chloe".

This electronic edition prepared by Martin Guy, Canterbury
and Ramsgate, March-May 1996.  Apparent typographical errors
in the paper copy are preserved in this text, followed by
"[sic]"; characters that failed to print and have been
guessed are followed by a question mark in square brackets;
words included in the short glossary at the end of this
edition are followed by [*] the first time they occur;
other words within square brackets were in square brackets
in the original text. Italic text is shown here within
tildes ~like this~; ligatures thus: <ae>.


Other translations exist:

"The Golden Ass of Apuleius", the Tudor translations Volume
IV, published by David Nutt, London, 1893.

"The Golden Ass", Adlington's translation revised by S.
Gasalee, published by William Heinemann, London, 1915.

"The Golden Ass of Lucius Apuleius", Adlington's translation
edited by F. J. Harvey Darton, published by The Navarre
Society Limited, 1924.

"The Transformations of Lucius; otherwise known as The
Golden Ass", translated from the Latin by Robert Graves,
published by Penguin Books, 1950.

"The Golden Ass", translated by P. G. Walsh, published by
Clarendon Press and Oxford University Press, 1994.

but only Adlington's original braves the word "pisse".



OBVIOUS TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS CORRECTED FROM THE TEXT


Chap. 2, last para: "broughr him meat" -> "brought him meat"
Chap. 30, para. 1: "heeles (lifted" -> "heeles) lifted"
Chap. 43, first para: "much lessse" -> "much lesse"



CONTENTS


Epistle Dedicatory

To the Reader

The Life of Lucius Apuleius, Briefly Described

The Preface of the Author, To his Sonne, Faustinus

The Eleven Bookes of the Golden Asse

Glossary



To the Right Honourable and Mighty Lord,

THOMAS EARLE OF SUSSEX,

Viscount Fitzwalter, Lord of Egremont and of Burnell, Knight
of the most noble Order of the Garter, Iustice of the
forrests and Chases from Trent Southward; Captain of the
Gentlemen Pensioners of the House of the QUEENE our
Soveraigne Lady.


After that I had taken upon me (right Honourable) in manner
of that unlearned and foolish Poet, Cherillus, who rashly
and unadvisedly wrought a big volume in verses, of the
valiant prowesse of Alexander the Great, to translate this
present booke, contayning the Metamorphosis of Lucius
Apuleius; being mooved thereunto by the right pleasant
pastime and delectable matter therein: I eftsoones consulted
with my selfe, to whome I might best offer so pleasant and
worthy a work, devised by the Author, it being now
barbarously and simply framed in our English tongue.  And
after long deliberation had, your honorable Lordship came to
my remembrance, a man much more worthy, than to whom so
homely and rude a translation should be presented.  But when
I again remembred the jesting and sportfull matter of the
booke, unfit to be offered to any man of gravity and
wisdome, I was wholly determined to make no Epistle
Dedicatory at all: till as now of late perswaded thereunto
by my friends, I have boldly enterprised to offer the same
to your Lordship, who as I trust wil accept the same, than
if it did entreat of some serious and lofty matter,
considering that although the matter therein seeme very
light and merry, yet the effect thereof tendeth to a good
and vertuous moral, as in the following Epistle to the
Reader may be declared.  For so have all writers in times
past employed their travell[*] and labours, that their
posterity may receive some fruitfull profit by the same.
And therfore the Poets feined not their fables in vain,
considering that children in time of their first studies,
are very much allured thereby to proceed to more grave and
deepe studies and disciplines, whereas otherwise their
mindes would quickly loath the wise and prudent workes of
learned men, wherein in such unripe years they take no
sparke of delectation at all.  And not only that profit
ariseth to children by such feined fables, but also the
vertues of men are covertly thereby commended, and their
vices discommended and abhorred.  For by the Fable of
Act<ae>on, where it is feigned that when he saw Diana
washing her selfe in a Well, hee was immediately turned into
an Hart, and so was slain of his owne Dogs; may bee meant,
That when a man casteth his eyes on the vaine and soone
fading beauty of the world, consenting thereto in his minde,
he seemeth to bee turned into a brute beast, and so to be
slaine through the inordinate desire of his owne affects.
By Tantalus that standeth in the midst of the floud Eridan,
having before him a tree laden with pleasant apples, he
beeing neverthelesse always thirsty and hungry, betokeneth
the insatiable desires of covetous persons.  The fables of
Atreus, Thiestes, Tereus and Progne signifieth the wicked
and abhominable facts wrought and attempted by mortall men.
The fall of Icarus is an example to proud and arrogant
persons, that weeneth to climbe up to the heavens.  By
Mydas, who obtained of Bacchus, that all things which he
touched might be gold, is carped the foul sin of Avarice.
By Phaeton, that unskilfully took in hand to rule the
Chariot of the Sunne, are represented those persons which
attempt things passing their power and capacity.  By Castor
and Pollux, turned into a signe in heaven called Gemini, is
signified, that vertuous and godly persons shall be rewarded
after life with perpetuall blisse.  And in this feined jest
of Lucius Apuleius is comprehended a figure of mans life,
ministring most sweet and delectable matter, to such as
shall be desirous to read the same.  The which if your
honourable Lordship will accept and take in good part, I
shall not onely thinke my small travell and labour well
employed, but also receive a further comfort to attempt some
more serious matter, which may be more acceptable to your
Lordship: desiring the same to excuse my rash and bold
enterprise at this time, as I nothing doubt of your
Lordships goodnesse.  To whome I beseech Almighty God to
impart long life, with encrease of much honour.

From Vniversity Colledge in Oxenford, the xviij. of
September, 1566.

          Your Honours most bounden,

                    WIL. ADLINGTON.



To the Reader


When that I had (gentle Reader) slightly here and there
runne over the pleasant and delectable jeasts of Lucius
Apuleius (a man of antient descent, and endued with singular
learning) written in such a franke and flourishing stile, as
he seemed to have the Muses at his will, to feed and
maintaine his pen.  And when againe I perceived the matter
to minister such exceeding plenty of mirth, as never in my
judgement the like hath been shewed by any other, I purposed
according to my slender knowledge (though it were rudely,
and farre disagreeing from the fine and excellent doings now
adayes) to translate the same into our vulgar tongue, to the
end that amongst so many sage and serious works (as every
man well nigh endeavour daily to encrease) there might bee
some fresh and pleasant matter to recreate the mindes of the
Readers withall.  Howbeit, I was eftsoones driven from my
purpose by two causes: First, perceiving that the Author had
written his work in so darke and high a stile, in so strange
and absurd words, and in such new invented phrases, as hee
seemed rather to set it forth to shew his magnificencie of
prose, than to participate his doings to other.  Secondly,
fearing least the translation of this present Booke (which
seemeth a meere jeast and fable, and a Worke worthy to be
laughed at, by reason of the vanity of the Author) might be
contemned and despised of all men, and so consequently I to
be had in derision, to occupie my selfe in such frivolous
and trifling toyes.  But on the other side, when I had
thoroughly learned the intent of the Author, and the purpose
why hee invented so sportfull a jest, I was verily perswaded
that my small travell should not onely be accepted by many,
but the matter it selfe allowed and praised of all.
Wherefore I intend, God willing, as nigh as I can, to utter
and open the meaning thereof, to the simple and ignorant,
whereby they may not take the same, as a thing only to jest
and laugh at (for the fables of <AE>sop and the feigning of
Poets were never written for that purpose) but by the
pleasantnesse thereof bee rather induced to the knowledge of
their present estate, and thereby transforme themselves into
the right and perfect shape of men.  The argument of the
book is, how Lucius Apuleius the Author himselfe travelled
into Thessaly, being a region in Greece, where all the women
for the most part bee such wonderfull Witches, that they can
transforme men into the figure of brute beasts: Where after
he had continued a few dayes, by the mighty force of a
violent confection hee was changed into a miserable Asse,
and nothing might reduce him to his wonted shape but the
eating of a Rose, which after the indurance of infinite
sorrow, at length he obtained by prayer.  Verily under the
wrap of this transformation is taxed the life of mortall
men, when as we suffer our mindes so to bee drowned in the
sensuall lusts of the flesh, and the beastly pleasure
thereof (which aptly may be called the violent confection of
Witches) that wee lose wholly the use of reason and vertue,
which properly should be in man, and play the parts of brute
and savage beasts.  By like occasion we reade, how divers of
the companions of Vlysses were turned by the marvellous
power of Circe into swine.  And finde we not in Scripture,
that Nabuchadnezzar the ninth King of Babylon, by reason of
his great dominions and realmes, fell into such exceeding
pride, that he was suddenly transformed of Almighty God into
an horrible monster, having the head of an Oxe, the feet of
a Beare, and the taile of Lion, and did eat hay as a Beast.
But as Lucius Apuleius was changed into his humane shape by
a Rose, the companions of Vlysses by great intercession, and
Nabuchadnezzar by the continual prayers of Daniel, whereby
they knew themselves, and lived after a good and vertuous
life: so can we never bee restored to the right figure of
our selves, except we taste and eat the sweet Rose of reason
and vertue, which the rather by mediation of praier we may
assuredly attaine.  Againe, may not the meaning of this
worke be altered and turned in this sort: A man desirous to
apply his minde to some excellent art, or given to the study
of any of the sciences, at the first appeareth to himselfe
an asse without wit, without knowledge, and not much unlike
a brute beast, till such time as by much paine and travell
he hath atchieved to the perfectnesse of the same, and
tasting the sweet floure and fruit of his studies, doth
thinke himselfe well brought to the right and very shape of
a man.

Finally, the metamorphosie of Lucius Apuleius may be
resembled to youth without discretion, and his reduction to
age possessed with wisedome and vertue.

Now since this booke of Lucius is a figure of mans life, and
toucheth the nature and manners of mortall men, egging them
forward from their Asinall forme, to their humane and
perfect shape, beside the pleasant and delectable jests
therein contained, I trust if my simple translation be
nothing accepted, yet the matter it selfe shall be esteemed
by such as not onely delight to please their fancies in
reading the same, but also take a patterne thereby to
regenerate their minds from bruitish and beastly custome.
Howbeit I have not so exactly passed through the Author, as
to point every sentence according as it is in Latine, or so
absolutely translated every word as it lieth in the prose,
(for so the French and Spanish translators have not done)
considering the same in our vulgar tongue would have
appeared very obscure and darke, and thereby consequently
loathsome to the Reader, but nothing erring as I trust from
the true and naturall meaning of the Author, have used more
common and familiar words, yet not so much as I might doe,
for the plainer setting forth of the same.

But howsoever it be, gentle Reader, I pray thee take it in
good part, considering that for thee I have taken this
paine, to the intent that thou mayest read the same with
pleasure.



The Life of Lucius Apuleius

Briefly Described


LUCIUS APULEIUS African, an excellent follower of Plato his
sect, born in Madaura, a Countrey sometime inhabited by the
Romans, and under the jurisdiction of Syphax, scituate and
lying upon the borders of Numidia and Getulia, whereby he
calleth himselfe halfe a Numidian and halfe a Getulian: and
Sidonius named him the Platonian Madaurence: his father
called Theseus had passed all offices of dignity in his
countrey with much honour.  His mother named Salvia was of
such excellent vertue, that she passed all the Dames of her
time, borne of an ancient house, and descended from the
noble Philosopher Plutarch, and Sextus his Nephew.  His wife
called Prudentila was endowed with as much vertue and riches
as any woman might be.  Hee himselfe was of an high and
comely stature, gray eyed, his haire yellow, and a
beautifull personage.  He flourished in Carthage in the time
of Iolianus Avitus and Cl. Maximus Proconsuls, where he
spent his youth in learning the liberall Sciences, and much
profited under his masters there, whereby not without cause
hee calleth himselfe the Nource of Carthage, and the
celestiall Muse and venerable mistresse of Africke.  Some
after, at Athens (where in times past the well of all
doctrine flourished) he tasted many of the cups of the
Muses, he learned the Poetry, Geometry, Musicke, Logicke,
and the universall knowledge of Philosophy, and studied not
in vaine the nine Muses, that is to say, the nine noble and
royall disciplines.

Immediately after he went to Rome, and studied there the
Latine tongue, with such labour and continuall study, that
he achieved to great eloquence, and was knowne and approved
to be excellently learned, whereby he might worthily be
called Polyhistor, that is to say, one that knoweth much or
many things.

And being thus no less endued with eloquence, than with
singular learning, he wrote many of the books for them that
should come after: whereof part by negligence of times be
intercepted and part now extant, doe sufficiently declare,
with how much wisdome and doctrine hee flourished, and with
how much vertue hee excelled amongst the rude and barbarous
people.  The like was Anacharsis amongst the most luskish
Scythes.  But amongst the Bookes of Lucius Apuleius, which
are perished and prevented, howbeit greatly desired as now
adayes, one was intituled Banquetting questions, another
entreating of the nature of fish, another of the generation
of beasts, another containing his Epigrams, and another
called `Hermagoras': but such as are now extant are the
foure books named `Floridorum,' wherein is contained a
flourishing stile, and a savory kind of learning, which
delighteth, holdeth, and rejoiceth the Reader marvellously;
wherein you shall finde a great variety of things, as
leaping one from another: One excellent and copious Oration,
containing all the grace and vertue of the art Oratory,
whereby he cleareth himselfe of the crime of art Magick,
which was slanderously objected against him by his
Adversaries, wherein is contained such force of eloquence
and doctrine, as he seemeth to passe and excell himselfe.
There is another booke of the god of the spirit of Socrates,
whereof S. Augustine maketh mention in his booke of the
definition of spirits, and description of men.  Two other
books of the opinion of Plato, wherein is briefly contained
that which before was largely expressed.  One booke of
Cosmography, comprising many things of Aristotles Meteors.
The Dialogue of Trismegistus, translated by him out of
Greeke into Latine, so fine, that it rather seemeth with
more eloquence turned into Latine, than it was before
written in Greeke.  But principally these eleven Bookes of
the `Golden Asse,' are enriched with such pleasant matter,
with such excellency and variety of flourishing tales, that
nothing may be more sweet and delectable, whereby worthily
they may be intituled, The Bookes of the `Golden Asse,' for
the passing stile and matter therein.  For what can be more
acceptable than this Asse of Gold indeed.  Howbeit there be
many which would rather intitle it `Metamorphosis,' that is
to say, A transfiguration or transformation, by reason of
the argument and matter therein.



The Preface of the Author

To his Sonne, Faustinus

And unto the Readers of this Book


     That I to thee some joyous jests
        may shew in gentle glose,
     And frankly feed thy bended eares
        with passing pleasant prose:
     So that thou daine in seemly sort
        this wanton booke to view,
     That is set out and garnisht fine,
        with written phrases new.
     I will declare how one by hap
        his humane figure lost,
     And how in brutish formed shape
        his loathed life he tost.
     And how he was in course of time
        from such estate unfold,
     Who eftsoone turn'd to pristine[*] shape,
        his lot unlucky told.


What and who he was attend[*] a while, and you shall understand
that it was even I, the writer of myne owne Metamorphosie
and strange alteration of figure.  Hymettus, Athens,
Isthmia, Ephire Tenaros, and Sparta, being fat and fertile
soiles (as I pray you give credit to the bookes of more
everlasting fame) be places where myne antient progeny and
linage did sometime flourish: there I say, in Athens, when I
was yong, I went first to schoole.  Soone after (as a
stranger) I arrived at Rome, whereas by great industry, and
without instruction of any schoolemaster, I attained to the
full perfection of the Latine tongue.  Behold, I first crave
and beg your pardon, lest I should happen to displease or
offend any of you by the rude and rustick utterance of this
strange and forrein language.  And verily this new
alteration of speech doth correspond to the enterprised
matter whereof I purpose to entreat, I will set forth unto
you a pleasant Grecian jest.  Whereunto gentle Reader if
thou wilt give attendant eare, it will minister unto thee
such delectable matter as thou shalt be contented withall.




THE FIRST BOOKE



THE FIRST CHAPTER

How Apuleius riding in Thessaly, fortuned to fall into
company with two strangers, that reasoned together of the
mighty power of Witches.


As I fortuned to take my voyage into Thessaly, about
certaine affaires which I had to doe (for there myne
auncestry by my mothers side inhabiteth, descended of the
line of that most excellent person Plutarch, and of Sextus
the Philosopher his Nephew, which is to us a great honour)
and after that by much travell and great paine I had passed
over the high mountaines and slipperie vallies, and had
ridden through the cloggy fallowed fields; perceived that my
horse did waxe somewhat slow, and to the intent likewise I
might repose and strengthen my self (being weary with
riding) I lighted off my horse, and wiping the sweat from
every part of his body, I unbrideled him, and walked him
softly in my hand, to the end he might pisse, and ease
himselfe of his weariness and travell: and while hee went
grazing freshly in the field (casting his head sometimes
aside, as a token of rejoycing and gladnesse) I perceived a
little before me two companions riding, and so I overtaking
them made the third.  And while I listened to heare their
communication, the one of them laughed and mocked his
fellow, saying, Leave off I pray thee and speake no more,
for I cannot abide to heare thee tell such absurd and
incredible lies; which when I heard, I desired to heare some
newes, and said, I pray you masters make me partaker of your
talk, that am not so curious as desirous to know all your
communication: so shall we shorten our journey, and easily
passe this high hill before us, by merry and pleasant talke.

But he that laughed before at his fellow, said againe,
Verily this tale is as true, as if a man would say that by
sorcery and inchantment the floods might be inforced to run
against their course, the seas to be immovable, the aire to
lacke the blowing of windes, the Sunne to be restrayned from
his naturall race, the Moone to purge his skimme upon herbes
and trees to serve for sorceries: the starres to be pulled
from heaven, the day to be darkned, and the darke night to
continue still.  Then I being more desirous to heare his
talke than his companions, sayd, I pray you, that began to
tell your tale even now, leave not off so, but tell the
residue.  And turning to the other I sayd, You perhappes
that are of an obstinate minde and grosse eares, mocke and
contemme those things which are reported for truth, know you
not that it is accounted untrue by the depraved opinion of
men, which either is rarely seene, seldome heard, or that
passeth the capacitie of mans reason, which if it be more
narrowly scanned, you shall not onely finde it evident and
plaine, but also very easie to be brought to passe.



THE SECOND CHAPTER

How Apuleius told to the strangers, what he saw a Jugler do
in Athens.


The other night being at supper with a sort of hungry
fellowes, while I did greedily put a great morsell of meate
in my mouth, that was fried with the flower of cheese and
barley, it cleaved so fast in the passage of my throat and
stopped my winde in such sort, that I was well nigh choked.
And yet at Athens before the porch there called Peale, I saw
with these eyes a Jugler that swallowed a two hand sword,
with a very keene edge, and by and by for a little money
that we that looked on gave him, hee devoured a chasing
speare with the point downeward.  And after that hee had
conveyed the whole speare within the closure of his body,
and brought it out againe behind, there appeared on the top
therof (which caused us all to marvell) a faire boy pleasant
and nimble, winding and turning himself in such sort, that
you would suppose he had neither bone nor gristle, and
verily thinke that he were the naturall Serpent, creeping
and sliding on the knotted staffe, which the god of Medicine
is feigned to beare.  But turning me to him that began his
tale, I pray you (quoth I) follow your purpose, and I alone
will give credit unto you, and for your paynes will pay your
charges at the next Inne we come unto.  To whom he answered,
Certes sir I thanke you for your gentle offer, and at your
request I wil proceed in my tale; but first I will sweare
unto you by the light of this Sunne that shineth here, that
those things that I shall tell be true, least when you come
to the next city called Thessaly, you should doubt any thing
of that which is rife in the mouthes of every person, and
done before the face of all men.  And that I may first make
relation unto you, what and who I am, and whither I go, and
for what purpose, know ye that I am of Egin, travelling
those countries about from Thessaly to Etolia, and from
Etolia to Boetia, to provide for honey, cheese, and other
victuals to sell againe: and understanding that at Hippata
(which is the principall city of all Thessaly) is accustomed
to be sould new cheeses of exceeding good taste and relish,
I fortuned on a day to goe thither, to make my market there:
but as it often happeneth, I came in an evill houre; for one
Lupus a Purveyor had bought and ingrossed up all the day
before, and so I was deceived.

Wherefore towards night being very weary, I went to the
Baines to refresh my selfe, and behold, I fortuned to espy
my companion Socrates sitting upon the ground, covered with
a torne and course mantle; who was so meigre and of so
sallow and miserable a countenance, that I scantly knew him:
for fortune had brought him into such estate and calamity,
that he verily seemed as a common beggar that standeth in
the streets to crave the benevolence of the passers by.
Towards whom (howbeit he was my singular friend and familiar
acquaintance, yet halfe in despaire) I drew nigh and said,
Alas my Socrates, what meaneth this? how fareth it with
thee?  What crime hast thou committed? verily there is great
lamentation and weeping made for thee at home: Thy children
are in ward by the decree of the Provinciall Judge: Thy wife
(having ended her mourning time in lamentable wise, with
face and visage blubbered with teares, in such sort that she
hath well nigh wept out both her eyes) is constrained by her
parents to put out of remembrance the unfortunate losse and
lacke of thee at home, and against her will to take a new
husband.  And dost thou live here as a ghost or hogge, to
our great shame and ignominy?

Then answered he to me and said, O my friend Aristomenus,
now perceive I well that you are ignorant of the whirling
changes, the unstable forces, and slippery inconstancy of
Fortune: and therewithall he covered his face (even then
blushing for very shame) with his rugged mantle, insomuch
that from his navel downwards he appeared all naked.

But I not willing to see him any longer in such great
miserie and calamitie, took him by the hand and lifted him
up from the ground: who having his face covered in such
sort, Let Fortune (quoth he) triumph yet more, let her have
her sway, and finish that which shee hath begun.  And
therewithall I put off one of my garments and covered him,
and immediately I brought him to the Baine, and caused him
to be anointed, wiped, and the filthy scurfe of his body to
be rubbed away; which done, although I were very weary my
selfe, yet I led the poore miser to my Inne, where he
reposed his body upon a bed, and then I brought him meat and
drinke, and so wee talked together: for there we might be
merry and laugh at our pleasure, and so we were, untill such
time as he (fetching a pittifull sigh from the bottome of
his heart, and beating his face in miserable sort) began to
say.



THE THIRD CHAPTER

How Socrates in his returne from Macedony to Larissa was
spoyled and robbed, and how he fell acquainted with one
Meroe a Witch.


Alas poore miser that I am, that for the onely desire to see
a game of triall of weapons, am fallen into these miseries
and wretched snares of misfortune. For in my returne from
Macedonie, whereas I sould all my wares, and played the
Merchant by the space of ten months, a little before that I
came to Larissa, I turned out of the way, to view the
scituation of the countrey there, and behold in the bottome
of a deep valley I was suddenly environed with a company of
theeves, who robbed and spoiled me of such things as I had,
and yet would hardly suffer me to escape.  But I beeing in
such extremity, in the end was happily delivered from their
hands, and so I fortuned to come to the house of an old
woman that sold wine, called Meroe, who had her tongue
sufficiently instructed to flattery: unto whom I opened the
causes of my long peregrination and carefull travell, and of
myne unlucky adventure: and after that I had declared unto
her such things as then presently[*] came to my remembrance,
shee gently entertained mee and made mee good cheere; and by
and by beeing pricked by carnall desire, shee brought mee to
her own bed chamber; whereas I poore miser the very first
night of our lying together did purchase to my selfe this
miserable face, and for her lodging I gave her such apparel
as the theeves left to cover me withall.

Then I understanding the cause of his miserable estate, sayd
unto him, In faith thou art worthy to sustaine the most
extreame misery and calamity, which hast defiled and
maculated thyne owne body, forsaken thy wife traiterously,
and dishonoured they children, parents, and friends, for the
love of a vile harlot and old strumpet.  When Socrates heard
mee raile against Meroe in such sort, he held up his finger
to mee, and as halfe abashed sayd, Peace peace I pray you,
and looking about lest any body should heare, I pray you
(quoth he) take heed what you say against so venerable a
woman as shee is, lest by your intemperate tongue you catch
some harm.  Then with resemblance of admiration, What (quoth
I) is she so excellent a person as you name her to be?  I
pray you tell mee. Then answered hee, Verily shee is a
Magitian, which hath power to rule the heavens, to bring
downe the sky, to beare up the earth, to turne the waters
into hills, and the hills into running waters, to lift up
the terrestrial spirits into the aire, and to pull the gods
out of the heavens, to extinguish the planets, and to
lighten the deepe darkenesse of hell.  Then sayd I unto
Socrates, I pray thee leave off this high and mysticall
kinde of talke, and tell the matter in a more plaine and
simple fashion.  Then answered he, Will you heare one or
two, or more of her facts which she hath done, for whereas
she inforceth not onely the inhabitants of the countrey
here, but also the Antictons, to love her in most raging
sort, such are but trifles and chips of her occupation, but
I pray you give eare, and I will declare of more greater
matters, which shee hath done openly and before the face of
all men.



THE FOURTH CHAPTER

How Meroe the Witch turned divers persons into miserable
beasts.


In faith Aristomenus to tell you the truth, this woman had a
certaine Lover, whom by the utterance of one only word she
turned into a Bever, because he loved another woman beside
her: and the reason why she transformed him into such a
beast is, for that it is his nature, when hee perceiveth the
hunters and hounds to draw after him, to bite off his
members, and lay them in the way, that the hounds may be at
a stop when they finde them, and to the intent it might so
happen unto him (because he fancied another woman) she
turned him into that kind of shape.

Semblably she changed one of her neighbours, being an old
man and one that sold wine, into a Frog, in that he was one
of her occupation, and therefore she bare him a grudge, and
now the poore miser swimming in one of his pipes of wine,
and well nigh drowned in the dregs, doth cry and call with
an hoarse voice, for his old guests and acquaintance that
pass by.  Likewise she turned one of the Advocates of the
Court (because he pleaded and spake against her in a
rightful cause) into a horned ram, and now the poore Ram is
become an Advocate. Moreover she caused, that the wife of a
certain lover that she had should never be delivered of her
childe, but according to the computation of all men, it is
eight yeares past since the poore woman began first to
swell, and now shee is encreased so big, that shee seemeth
as though she would bring forth some great Elephant: which
when it was knowne abroad, and published throughout all the
towne, they tooke indignation against her, and ordayned that
the next day shee should most cruelly be stoned to death.
Which purpose of theirs she prevented by the vertue of her
inchantments, and as Medea (who obtained of King Creon but
one days respit before her departure) did burne all his
house, him, and his daughter: so she, by her conjurations
and invocations of spirits (which she useth in a certaine
hole in her house, as shee her selfe declared unto me the
next day following) closed all the persons in the towne so
sure in their houses, and with such violence of power, that
for the space of two dayes they could not get forth, nor
open their gates nor doore, nor break downe their walls,
whereby they were inforced by mutuall consent to cry unto
her, and to binde themselves strictly by oaths, that they
would never afterwards molest or hurt her: and moreover, if
any did offer her any injury they would be ready to defend
her.  Whereupon shee, mooved by their promises, and stirred
by pitty, released all the towne.  But shee conveyed the
principal Author of this ordinance about midnight, with all
his house, the walls, the ground, and the foundation, into
another towne, distant from thence an hundred miles,
scituate and beeing on the top of an high hill, and by
reason thereof destitute of water, and because the edifices
and houses were so nigh built together, that it was not
possible for the house to stand there, she threw it downe
before the gate of the, [sic] towne.  Then I spake and said,
O my friend Socrates you have declared unto me many
marvellous things and strange chances, and moreover stricken
me with no small trouble of minde, yea rather with great
feare, lest the same old woman using the like practice,
should fortune to heare all our communication.  Wherefore
let us now sleepe, and after that we have taken our rest,
let us rise betimes[*] in the morning, and ride away hence
before day, as far as we can possible.



THE FIFTH CHAPTER

How Socrates and Aristomenus slept together in one Chamber,
and how they were handled by Witches.


In speaking these words, and devising with my selfe of our
departing the next morrow, lest Meroe the Witch should play
by us as she had done by divers other persons, it fortuned
that Socrates did fall asleepe, and slept very soundly, by
reason of his travell, and plenty of meat and wine
wherewithall hee had filled him selfe.  Wherefore I closed
and barred fast the doore, and so layed mee down to rest.
But I could in no wise sleepe, for the great feare which was
in my heart, untill it was about midnight, and then I began
to slumber. But alas, behold suddenly the chamber doores
brake open, and lockes, bolts, and posts fell downe, that
you would verily have thought that some Theeves had been
presently come to have spoyled and robbed us.  And my bed
whereon I lay being a truckle bed, fashioned in forme of a
Cradle, and one of the feet broken and rotten, by violence
was turned upside downe, and I likewise was overwhelmed and
covered lying in the same.  Then perceived I in my selfe,
that certaine affects of the minde by nature doth chance
contrary.  For as tears oftentimes trickle down the cheekes
of him that seeth or heareth some joyfull newes, so I being
in this fearfull perplexity, could not forbeare laughing, to
see how of Aristomenus I was made like unto a snail his
shell.  And while I lay on the ground covered in this sort,
I peeped under the bed to see what would happen. And behold
there entred in two old women, the one bearing a burning
torch, and the other a sponge and a naked sword; and so in
this habit they stood about Socrates being fast asleep.
Then shee which bare the sword sayd unto the other, Behold
sister Panthia, this is my deare and sweet heart, which both
day and night hath abused my wanton youthfulnesse.  This is
he, who little regarding my love, doth not onely defame me
with reproachfull words, but also intendeth to run away.
And I shall be forsaken by like craft as Vlysses did use,
and shall continually bewaile my solitarinesse as Calipso.
Which said, shee pointed towards mee that lay under the bed,
and shewed me to Panthia. This is hee, quoth she, which is
his Counsellor, and perswadeth him to forsake me, and now
being at the point of death he lieth prostrate on the ground
covered with his bed, and hath seene all our doings, and
hopeth to escape scot free from my hands, but I will cause
that hee shall repent himselfe too late, nay rather
forthwith, of his former untemperate language, and his
present curiosity.  Which words when I heard I fell into a
cold sweat, and my heart trembled with feare, insomuch that
the bed over me did likewise rattle and shake.  The spake
Panthia unto Meroe and said, Sister let us by and by teare
him in pieces, or tye him by the members, and so cut them
off.  Then Meroe (being so named because she was a Taverner,
and loved wel good wines) answered, Nay rather let him live,
and bury the corps of this poore wretch in some hole of the
earth; and therewithall shee turned the head of Socrates on
the other side, and thrust her sword up to the hilts into
the left part of his necke, and received the bloud that
gushed out, into a pot, that no drop thereof fell beside:
which things I saw with myne owne eyes, and as I thinke to
the intent she might alter nothing that pertained to
sacrifice, which she accustomed to make, she thrust her hand
downe into the intrails of his body, and searching about, at
length brought forth the heart of my miserable companion
Socrates, who having his throat cut in such sort, yeelded
out a dolefull cry and gave up the ghost.  Then Panthia
stopped the wide wound of his throat with the Sponge, and
said, O Sponge sprung and made of the sea, beware that thou
passe not by running River.  This being sayd, the one of
them moved and turned up my bed, and then they strid over
mee, and clapped their buttocks upon my face, and all
bepissed mee till I was wringing wet.  When this was ended
they went their wayes, and the doores closed fast, the posts
stood in their old places, and the lockes and bolts were
shut againe.  But I that lay upon the ground like one
without soule, naked and cold, and wringing wet with pisse,
like to one that were more than halfe dead, yet reviving my
selfe, and appointed as I thought for the Gallowes, began to
say, Alasse what shall become of me to morrow when my
companion shall be found murthered here in the chamber?  To
whom shall I seeme to tell any similitude of truth, when as
I shal tell the trueth in deed? They will say, If thou wert
unable to resist the violence of the women, yet shouldest
thou have cried for helpe; Wouldst thou suffer the man to be
slaine before thy face and say nothing?  Or why did they not
slay thee likewise?  Why did they spare thee that stood by
and saw them commit that horrible fact? Wherefore although
thou hast escaped their hands, yet thou shalt not escape
ours.  While I pondered these things with my selfe the night
passed on, and so I resolved to take my horse before day,
and goe forward on my journey.

Howbeit the wayes were unknowne unto me, and thereupon I
tooke up my packet, unlocked and unbarred the doors, but
those good and faithfull doores which in the night did open
of their owne accord, could then scantly be opened with
their keys.  And when I was out I cried, O sirrah Hostler
where art thou? open the stable doore, for I will ride away
by and by.  The Hostler lying behinde the stable doore upon
a pallet, and halfe asleepe, What (quoth hee) doe you not
know that the wayes be very dangerous?  What meane you to
rise at this time of night?  If you perhaps guilty of some
heynous crime, be weary of your life, yet thinke you not
that wee are such Sots that we will die for you.  Then said
I, It is well nigh day, and moreover, what can Theeves take
from him that hath nothing?  Doest thou not know (Foole as
thou art) if thou be naked, if ten Gyants should assaile
thee, they could not spoyle or rob thee?  Whereunto the
drowsie Hostler halfe asleepe, and turning on the other
side, answered, What know I whether you have murthered your
Companion whom you brought in yesternight, or no, and now
seeke the meanes to escape away?  O Lord, at that time I
remember the earth seemed to open, and me thought I saw at
hell gate the Dog Cerberus ready to devour mee; and then I
verily beleeved, that Meroe did not spare my throat, mooved
with pitty, but rather cruelly pardoned mee to bring mee to
the Gallowes.  Wherefore I returned to my chamber, and there
devised with my selfe in what sort I should finish my life.
But when I saw that fortune would minister unto mee, I sayd,
O bed, O bed, most dear unto me at this present, which hast
abode and suffered with me so many miseries, judge and
arbiter of such things as were done here this night, whome
onely I may call to witnesse for my innocency, render (I
say) unto me some wholsome weapon to end my life, that am
most willing to dye.  And therewithal I pulled out a piece
of the rope wherewith the bed was corded, and typed one end
thereof about a rafter by the window, and with the other end
I made a sliding knot, and stood upon my bed, and so put my
neck into it, and when I leaped from the bed, thinking
verily to strangle my selfe and so dye, behold the rope
beeing old and rotten burst in the middle, and I fell downe
tumbling upon Socrates that lay under: And even at that same
very time the Hostler came in crying with a loud voyce, and
sayd, Where are you that made such hast at midnight, and now
lies wallowing abed?  Whereupon (I know not whether it was
by my fall, or by the great cry of the Hostler) Socrates as
waking out of a sleepe, did rise up first and sayd, It is
not without cause that strangers do speake evill of all such
Hostlers, for this Caitife[*] in his comming in, and with
his crying out, I thinke under a colour to steale away
somthing, hath waked me out of a sound sleepe.  Then I rose
up joyfull with a merry countenance, saying, Behold good
Hostler, my friend, my companion and my brother, whom thou
didst falsly affirme to be slaine by mee this night.  And
therewithall I embraced my friend Socrates and kissed him:
but hee smelling the stinke of the pisse wherewith those
Hagges had embrued me, thrust me away and sayd, Clense thy
selfe from this filthy odour, and then he began gently to
enquire, how that noysome sent hapned unto mee.  But I
finely feigned and colouring the matter for the time, did
breake off his talk, and tooke him by the hand and sayd, Why
tarry we?  Why lose wee the pleasure of this faire morning?
Let us goe, and so I tooke up my packet, and payed the
charges of the house and departed: and we had not gone a
mile out of the Towne but it was broad day, and then I
diligently looked upon Socrates throat, to see if I could
espy the place where Meroe thrust in her sword: but when I
could not perceive any such thing, I thought with my selfe,
What a mad man am I, that being overcome with wine yester
night, have dreamed such terrible things?  Behold, I see
Socrates is sound, safe, and in health.  Where is his wound?
where is the Sponge?  Where is his great and new cut?  And
then I spake to him and sayd, Verily it is not without
occasion, that Physitians of experience do affirme, That
such as fill their gorges abundantly with meat and drinke,
shall dreame of dire and horrible sights: for I my selfe,
that even yet I think my self sprinkled and wet with human
blood: whereunto Socrates laughing made answer and said,
Nay, thou art not wet with the blood of men, but thou art
imbrued with stinking pisse; and verily I my selfe dreamed
this night that my throat was cut, and that I felt the paine
of the wound, and that my heart was pulled out of my belly,
and the remembrance thereof makes me now to feare, for my
knees do so tremble that I can scarce goe any further, and
therefore I would faine[*] eat somewhat to strengthen and
revive my spirits.  Then said I, Behold here thy breakefast,
and therewithall I opened my script that hanged upon my
shoulder, and gave him bread and cheese, and we sate downe
under a great Plane tree, and I eat part with him; and while
I beheld him eating greedily, I perceived that he waxed
meigre and pale, and that his lively colour faded away,
insomuch that beeing in great fear, and remembering those
terrible furies of whom I lately dreamed, the first morsell
of bread that I put in my mouth (which was but very small)
did so sticke in my jawes, that I could neither swallow it
downe, nor yet yeeld it up, and moreover the small time of
our being together increased my feare, and what is hee that
seeing his companion die in the high way before his face,
would not greatly lament and bee sorry?  But when that
Socrates had eaten sufficiently he waxed very thirsty, for
indeed he had well nigh devoured all a whole Cheese: and
behold evill fortune! there was behinde the Plane tree a
pleasant running water as cleere as Crystal, and I sayd unto
him, Come hither Socrates to this water and drinke thy fill.
And then he rose and came to the River, and kneeled downe
upon the side of the banke to drinke, but he had scarce
touched the water with his lips when as behold the wound of
his throat opened wide, and the Sponge suddenly fell into
the water, and after issued out a little remnant of bloud,
and his body being then without life, had fallen into the
river, had not I caught him by the leg and so pulled him up.
And after that I lamented a good space the death of my
wretched companion, I buried him in the Sands there by the
river.

Which done, in great feare I rode through many Outwayes and
desart places, and as culpable of the death of Socrates, I
forsooke my countrey, my wife, and my children, and came to
Etolia where I married another Wife.

This tale told Aristomenus, and his fellow which before
obstinately would give no credit unto him, began to say,
Verily there was never so foolish a tale, nor a more absurd
lie told than this.  And then he spake unto me saying, Ho
sir, what you are I know not, but your habit and countenance
declareth that you should be some honest Gentleman,
(speaking to Apuleius) doe you beleeve this tale?  Yea
verily (quoth I) why not?  For whatsoever the fates have
appointed to men, that I beleeve shall happen.  For many
things chance unto me and unto you, and to divers others,
which beeing declared unto the ignorant bee accounted as
lies.  But verily I give credit unto his tale, and render
entire thankes unto him, in that by the pleasant relation
thereof we have quickly passed and shortned our journey, and
I thinke that my horse also was delighted with the same, and
hath brought me to the gate of this city without any paine
at all.  Thus ended both our talke and journey, for they two
turned on the left hand to the next villages, and I rode
into the City.



THE SIXTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius came to a city named Hipate and was lodged in
one Milos house, and brought him letters from Demeas of
Corinth.


After that those two Companions were departed I entred into
the City: where I espied an old woman, of whom I enquired
whether that City were called Hipata, or no: Who answered,
Yes.  Then I demaunded, whether she knew one Milo an
Alderman of the city: Wherat she laughed and sayd, Verily it
is not without cause that Milo is called an Elderman, and
accounted as chiefe of those which dwel without the walls of
the City.  To whom I sayd againe, I pray thee good mother
doe not mocke, but tell me what manner of man he is, and
where he dwelleth.  Mary (quoth she) doe you see those Bay
windowes, which on the one side abut to the gates of the
city, and on the other side to the next lane? There Milo
dwelleth, very rich both in mony and substance, but by
reason of his great avarice and insatiable covetousnes, he
is evill spoken of, and he is a man that liveth all by
usurie, and lending his money upon pledges.  Moreover he
dwelleth in a small house, and is ever counting his money,
and hath a wife that is a companion of his extreame misery,
neither keepeth he any more in his house than onely one
maid, who goeth apparelled like unto a beggar.  Which when I
heard, I laughed in my selfe and thought, In faith my friend
Demeas hath served me well, which hath sent me being a
stranger, unto such a man, in whose house I shall not bee
afeard either of smoke or of the sent of meat; and
therewithall I rode to the doore, which was fast barred, and
knocked aloud.  Then there came forth a maid which sayd, Ho
sirrah that knocks so fast, in what kinde of sort will you
borrow money?  Know you not that we use to take no gage,
unlesse it be either plate or Jewels?  To whom I answered, I
pray thee maid speake more gently, and tel me whether thy
master be within or no?  Yes (quoth she) that he is, why doe
you aske?  Mary (said I) I am come from Corinth, and have
brought him letters from Demeas his friend.  Then sayd the
Maid, I pray you tarry here till I tell him so, and
therewithall she closed fast the doore, and went in, and
after a while she returned againe and sayd, My master
desireth you to alight and come in.  And so I did, whereas I
found him sitting upon a little bed, going to supper, and
his wife sate at his feet, but there was no meat upon the
table, and so by appointment of the maid I came to him and
saluted him, and delivered the letters which I had brought
from Demeas.  Which when hee had read hee sayd, Verily, I
thanke my friend Demeas much, in that hee hath sent unto mee
so worthy a guest as you are.  And therewithall he commanded
his wife to sit away and bid mee sit in her place; which
when I refused by reason of courtesie, hee pulled me by the
garment and willed me to sit downe; for wee have (quoth he)
no other stool here, nor no other great store of household
stuffe, for fear of robbing.  Then I according to his
commandement, sate downe; and he fell in further
communication with me and sayd, Verily I doe conjecture by
the comly feature of your body, and by the maidenly
shamefastnesse of your face, that you are a Gentleman borne,
as my Friend Demeas hath no lesse declared the same in his
letters.  Wherfore I pray you take in good part our poore
lodging, and behold yonder chamber is at your commaundement,
use it as your owne, and if you be contented therewithall,
you shall resemble and follow the vertuous qualities of your
good father Theseus, who disdained not the slender and poore
Cottage of Hecades.

And then he called his maid which was named Fotis, and said,
Carry this gentlemans packet into the chamber, and lay it up
safely, and bring water quickly to wash him, and a towel to
rub him, and other things necessary, and then bring him to
the next Baines, for I know that he is very weary of
travell.

These things when I heard, I partly perceived the manners of
Milo, and endeavouring to bring my selfe further into his
favour, I sayd, Sir there is no need of any of these things,
for they have been every where ministred unto mee by the
way, howbeit I will go into the Baines, but my chiefest care
is that my horse be well looked to, for hee brought mee
hither roundly, and therefore I pray thee Fotis take this
money and buy some hay and oats for him



THE SEVENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius going to buy fish, met with his companion
Pythias.


When this was done, and all my things brought into the
Chamber, I walked towards the Baines; but first I went to
the market to buy some victuals for my supper, whereas I saw
a great plenty of fish set out to be sould: and so I
cheapened part thereof, and that which they first held at an
hundred pence, I bought at length for twenty.  Which when I
had done, and was departing away, one of myne old
acquaintance, and fellow at Athens, named Aithias, fortuned
to passe by, and viewing me a good space, in the end brought
me to his remembrance, and gently came and kissed mee,
saying, O my deare friend Lucius, it is a great while past
since we two saw each other, and moreover, from the time
that wee departed from our Master Vestius, I never heard any
newes from you.  I pray you Lucius tell mee the cause of
your peregrination hither.  Then I answered and sayd, I will
make relation thereof unto you to morrow: But I pray you
tell me, what meaneth these Servitors that follow you, and
these rods or verges[*] which they beare, and this habit which
you wear like unto a Magistrate, verily I thinke you have
obtained your own desire, whereof I am right glad.  Then
answered Pithias, I beare the office of the Clerke of the
market, and therfore if you will have any pittance for your
supper speake and I will purvey it for you.  Then I thanked
him heartily, and sayd I had brought meat sufficient
already.  But Pithias when hee espied my basket wherein my
fish was, tooke it and shaked it, and demanded of me what I
payd for all my Sprots. In faith (quoth I) I could scarse
inforce the fishmonger to sell them for twenty pence.  Which
when he heard, he brought me backe again into the market,
and enquired of me of whom I bought them.  I shewed him the
old man which sate in a corner, whome by and by, by reason
of his office hee did greatly blame[*], and sayd, Is it thus
that you serve and handle strangers, and specially our
friends?  Wherefore sell you this fish so deare, which is
not worth a halfepenny?  Now perceive I well, that you are
an occasion to make this place, which is the principall city
of all Thessaly, to be forsaken of all men, and to reduce it
into an unhabitable Desart, by reasone of your excessive
prices of victuals, but assure your selfe that you shall
know what myne office is, and how I ought to punish such as
offend.  Then he tooke my basket and cast the fish on the
ground, and commanded one of his Sergeants to tread them
under his feet.  This done he perswaded mee to depart, and
sayd that that [sic] onely shame and reproach done unto the
old Caitife did suffice him.  So I went away all amazed and
astonied, towards the Baines, considering with my selfe and
devising of the grace of my companion Pithias.  Where when I
had well washed and refreshed my body, I returned againe to
Milos house, both without money and meat, and so got into my
chamber.  Then came Fotis immediately unto mee, and said
that her master desired me to come to supper.  But I not
ignorant of Milos abstinence, prayed that I might be
pardoned, since I thought best to ease my wearied bones
rather with sleepe and quietnesse, than with meat.  When
Fotis had told this to Milo, he came himselfe and tooke mee
by the hand, and while I did modestly excuse my selfe, I
will not (quoth he) depart from this place, untill such time
as you shall goe with me: and to confirme the same, hee
bound his words with an oath, whereby he enforced me to
follow him, and so he brought me into his chamber, where hee
sate him downe upon the bed, and demaunded of mee how his
friend Demeas did, his wife, and children, and all his
family: and I made him answer to every question, specially
hee enquired the causes of my peregrination and travell,
which when I had declared, he yet busily demanded of the
state of my Countrey, and of the chiefe magistrates there,
and principally of our Lievtenant and Viceroy; who when he
perceived that I was not only wearied by travell, but also
with talke, and that I fell asleep in the midst of my tale,
and further that I spake nothing directly or advisedly, he
suffered me to depart to my chamber.  So scaped I at length
from the pratling and hungry supper of this rank old man,
and beeing compelled by sleepe, and not by meat, and having
supped only with talke, I returned into my chamber, and
there betooke me to my quiet and long desired rest.




THE SECOND BOOKE



THE EIGHTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius fortuned to meet with his Cousin Byrrhena.


As soone as night was passed, and the day began to spring, I
fortuned to awake, and rose out of my bed as halfe amazed,
and very desirous to know and see some marvellous and
strange things, remembring with my selfe that I was in the
middle part of all Thessaly, whereas by the common report of
all the World, the Sorceries and Inchauntments are most
used, I oftentimes repeated with my self the tale of my
companion Aristomenus touching the matter of this City, and
being mooved by great desire, I viewed the whole scituation
thereof, neither was there any thing which I saw there, that
I did beleeve to be the same which it was indeed, but every
thing seemed unto me to be transformed and altered into
other shapes, by the wicked power of Sorcerie and
Inchantment, insomuch that I thought the stones which I
found were indurate, and turned from men into that figure,
and that the birds which I heard chirping, and the trees
without the walls of the city, and the running waters, were
changed from men into such kinde of likenesses.  And further
I thought the Statues, Images, and Walls could goe, and the
Oxen and other brute beasts, could speake and tell strange
newes, and that immediately I should see and heare some
Oracles from the heavens, and from the gleed of the Sun.
Thus being astonied or rather dismayed and vexed with
desire, knowing no certaine place whither I intended to go,
I went from street to street, and at length (as I curiously
gazed on every thing) I fortuned unwares to come into the
market place, whereas I espied a certaine woman, accompanied
with a great many servants, towards whom I drew nigh, and
viewed her garments beset with gold and pretious stone, in
such sort that she seemed to be some noble matron.  And
there was an old man which followed her, who as soon as he
had espied me, said to himselfe, Verily this is Lucius, and
then he came and embraced me, and by and by he went unto his
mistresse and whispered in her eare, and came to mee againe
saying, How is it Lucius that you will not salute your deere
Cousin and singular friend?  To whom I answered, Sir I dare
not be so bold as to take acquaintance of an unknowne woman.

Howbeit as halfe ashamed I drew towards her, and shee
returned her selfe, and sayd, Behold how he resembleth the
very same grace as his mother Salvia doth, behold his
countenance and stature, agreeing thereto in each poynt,
behold his comely state, his fine slendernesse, his
Vermilion colour, his haire yellow by nature, his gray and
quicke eyes like to the Eagle, and his trim and comely gate,
which do sufficiently prove him to be the naturall childe of
Salvia.  And moreover she sayd, O Lucius, I have nourished
thee with myne owne proper[*] hand: and why not?  For I am not
onely of kindred unto thy mother by blood, but also by
nourice, for wee both descended of the line of Plutarch, lay
in one belly, sucked the same paps[*], and were brought up
together in one house.  And further there is no other
difference beetweene us two, but that she is married more
honourably than I: I am the same Byrrhena whom you have
often heard named amongst your friends at home: wherfore I
pray you to take so much pains as to come with me to my
house, and use it as your owne.  At whose words I was partly
abashed and sayd, God forbid Cosin that I should forsake
myne Host Milo without any reasonable cause; but verily I
will, as often as I have occasion to passe by your house,
come and see how you doe.  And while we went talking thus
together, by little and little wee came to her house, and
behold the gates of the same were very beautifully set with
pillars quadrangle wise, on the top wherof were placed
carved statues and images, but principally the Goddesse of
Victory was so lively and with such excellencie portrayed
and set forth, that you would verily have thought that she
had flyed, and hovered with her wings hither and thither.
On the contrary part, the Image of the goddesse Diana was
wrought in white marble, which was a marvellous sight to
see, for shee seemed as though the winde did blow up her
garments, and that she did encounter with them that came
into the house.  On each side of her were Dogs made of
stone, that seemed to menace with their fiery eyes, their
pricked eares, their bended nosethrils, and their grinning
teeth, in such sort that you would have thought they had
bayed and barked.  And moreover (which was a greater marvel
to behold) the excellent carver and devised of this worke
had fashioned the Dogs to stand up fiercely with their
former feet, and their hinder feet on the ground ready to
fight.  Behinde the backe of the goddesse was carved a stone
in manner of a Caverne, environed with mosse, hearbes,
leaves, sprigs, green branches and bowes, growing in and
about the same, insomuch that within the stone it glistered
and shone marvellously, under the brim of the stone hanged
apples and grapes carved finely, wherein Art envying Nature,
shewed her great cunning. For they were so lively set out,
that you would have thought if Summer had been come, they
might have bin pulled and eaten; and while I beheld the
running water, which seemed to spring and leap under the
feet of the goddesse, I marked the grapes which hanged in
the water, which were like in every point to the grapes of
the vine, and seemed to move and stirre by the violence of
the streame.  Moreover, amongst the branches of the stone
appeared the image of Acteon: and how that Diana (which was
carved within the same stone, standing in the water) because
he did see her naked, did turne him into an Hart, and so he
was torne and slaine of his owne hounds.  And while I was
greatly delighted with the view of these things, Byrrhena
spake to me and sayd, Cousin all things here be at your
commandement.  And therewithall she willed secretly the
residue to depart: who being gone she sayd, My most deare
Cousin Lucius, I swear by this goddesse Diana, that I doe
greatly tender your safety, and am as carefull for you as if
you were myne owne naturall childe, beware I say, beware of
the evil arts and wicked allurements of that Pamphiles who
is the wife of Milo, whom you call your Host, for she is
accounted the most chiefe and principall Magitian and
Enchantresse living, who by breathing out certain words and
charmes over bowes, stones, and other frivolous things, can
throw down all the powers of the heavens in to the deepe
bottome of hell, and reduce all the whole world againe to
the old Chaos.  For as soone as shee espieth any comely yong
man, shee is forthwith stricken with his love, and presently
setteth her whole minde and affection on him.  She soweth
her seed of flattery, she invades his spirit and intangleth
him with continuall snares of unmeasurable love.

And then if any accord not to her filthy desire, or if they
seeme loathsome in her eye, by and by in the moment of an
houre she either turneth them into stones, sheep, or some
other beast, as her selfe pleaseth, and some she presently
slayeth, and murthereth, of whom I would you should
earnestly beware. For she burneth continually, and you by
reason of your tender age and comely beauty are capable of
her fire and love.

Thus with great care Byrrhena gave me in charge, but I (that
alwayes coveted and desired, after that I had heard talk of
such Sorceries and Witchcrafts, to be experienced in the
same) little esteemed to beware of Pamphiles, but willingly
determined to bestow my money in learning of the art, and
now wholly to become a Witch.  And so I waxed joyful, and
wringing my selfe out of her company, as out of linkes or
chaines, I bade her farewell, and departed toward the house
of myne host Milo, by the way reasoning thus with my selfe:
O Lucius now take heed, be vigilant, have a good care, for
now thou hast time and place to satisfie thy desire, now
shake off thy childishnesse, and shew thy selfe a man, but
especially temper thy selfe from the love of thyne hostesse,
and abstain from violation of the bed of Milo, but hardly
attempt to winne the maiden Fotis, for she is beautifull,
wanton, and pleasant in talke.  And soone when thou goest to
sleepe, and when shee bringeth thee gently into thy chamber,
and tenderly layeth thee downe in thy bed, and lovingly
covereth thee, and kisseth thee sweetly, and departeth
unwillingly, and casteth her eyes oftentimes backe, and
stands still, then hast thou a good occasion ministred unto
thee to prove and try the minde of Fotis.  Thus while I
reasoned with my selfe I came to Milos doore, persevering
still in my purpose, but I found neither Milo nor his wife
at home.



THE NINTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius fell in love with Fotis.


When I was within the house I found my deare and sweet love
Fotis mincing of meat and making pottage[*] for her master
and mistresse, the Cupboord was all set with wines, and I
thought I smelled the savor of some dainty meats: she had
about her middle a white and clean apron, and shee was
girded about her body under the paps with a swathell of red
silke, and she stirred the pot and turned the meat with her
faire and white hands, in such sort that with stirring and
turning the same her loynes and hips did likewise move and
shake, which was in my mind a comely sight to see.

These things when I saw I was halfe amazed, and stood musing
with my selfe, and my courage came then upon mee, which
before was scant.  And I spake unto Fotis merrily and sayd,
O Fotis how trimmely you can stirre the pot, and how finely,
with shaking your buttockes, you can make pottage.  O happy
and twice happy is hee to whom you give leave and licence
but to touch you there.  Then shee beeing likewise merrily
disposed, made answer, Depart I say, Miser from me, depart
from my fire, for if the flame thereof doe never so little
blaze forth it will burne thee extreamely, and none can
extinguish the heate thereof but I alone, who in stirring
the pot and making the bed can so finely shake my selfe.
When she had sayd these words she cast her eyes upon mee and
laughed, but I did not depart from thence until such time as
I had viewed her in every point.  But what should I speake
to others, when as I doe accustome abroad to marke and view
the face and haire of every dame, and afterwards delight my
selfe therewith privately at home, and thereby judge the
residue of their shape, because the face is the principall
part of all the body, and is first open to our eyes.  And
whatsoever flourishing and gorgeous apparell doth worke and
set forth in the corporal parts of a woman, the same doth
the naturall and comely beauty set out in the face.
Moreover there be divers, that to the intent to shew their
grace and feature, wil cast off their partlets[*], collars,
habiliments[*], fronts, cornets and krippins[*], and doe more
delight to shew the fairenesse of their skinne, than to
decke themselves up in gold and pretious stones.  But
because it is a crime unto me to say so, and to give no
example thereof, know yee, that if you spoyle and cut off
the haire of any woman, or deprive her of the colour of her
face, though shee were accompanied with the Graces, though
shee were girded with her beautifull skarfe of Love, and
though shee smelled of perfumes and musks, yet if shee
appeared bald, shee could in no wise please, no not her owne
Vulcanus.

O how well doth a faire colour and a shining face agree with
glittering hair! Behold, it encountreth with the beams of
the Sunne, and pleaseth the eye marvellously.  Sometimes the
beauty of the haire resembleth the colour of gold and honey,
sometimes the blew plumes and azured feathers about the
neckes of Doves, especially when it is either anointed with
the gumme of Arabia, or trimmely tuft out with the teeth of
a fine combe, which if it be tyed up in the pole[*] of the
necke, it seemeth to the lover that beholdeth the same, as a
glasse that yeeldeth forth a more pleasant and gracious
comelinesse than if it should be sparsed abroad on the
shoulders of the woman, or hang downe scattering behind.
Finally there is such a dignity in the haire, that
whatsoever shee be, though she be never so bravely attyred
with gold, silkes, pretious stones, and other rich and
gorgeous ornaments, yet if her hair be not curiously set
forth shee cannot seeme faire.  But in my Fotis, her
garments unbrast[*] and unlaste[*] increased her beauty, her
haire hanged about her shoulders, and was dispersed abroad
upon her partlet, and in every part of her necke, howbeit
the greater part was trussed upon her pole with a lace.
Then I unable to sustaine the broiling heate that I was in,
ran upon her and kissed the place where she had thus laid
her haire.  Wherat she turned her face, and cast her rolling
eyes upon me, saying O Scholler, thou hast tasted now both
hony and gall, take heed that thy pleasure do not turn into
repentance.  Tush (quoth I) my sweet heart, I am contented
for such another kiss to be broiled here upon this fire,
wherwithall I embraced and kissed her more often, and shee
embraced and kissed me likewise, and moreover her breath
smelled like Cinnamon, and the liquor of her tongue was like
unto sweet Nectar, wherewith when my mind was greatly
delighted I sayd, Behold Fotis I am yours, and shall
presently dye unlesse you take pitty upon me.  Which when I
had said she eftsoone kissed me, and bid me be of good
courage, and I will (quoth shee) satisfie your whole desire,
and it shall be no longer delayed than until night, when as
assure your selfe I will come and lie with you: wherfore go
your wayes and prepare your selfe, for I intend valiantly
and couragiously to encounter with you this night.  Thus
when we had lovingly talked and reasoned together, we
departed for that time.



THE TENTH CHAPTER

How Byrrhena sent victuals unto Apuleius, and how hee talked
with Milo of Diophanes, and how he lay with Fotis.


When noone was come, Byrrhena sent unto me a fat Pigge, five
hennes, and a flagon of old wine.  Then I called Fotis and
sayd, Behold how Bacchus the egger and stirrer of Venery,
doth offer himself of his owne accord, let us therefore
drink up this wine, that we may prepare our selves and get
us courage against soone, for Venus wanteth no other
provision than this, that the Lampe may be all the night
replenished with oyle, and the cups with wine.  The residue
of the day I passed away at the Bains and in banquetting,
and towards evening I went to supper, for I was bid by Milo,
and so I sate downe at the table, out of Pamphiles sight as
much as I could, being mindfull of the commandement of
Byrrhena, and sometimes I would cast myne eyes upon her as
upon the furies of hell, but eftsoones turning my face
behinde me, and beholding my Fotis ministring at the table,
was again refreshed and made merry.  And behold when
Pamphiles did see the candle standing on the table, she
said, Verily wee shall have much raine to morrow.  Which
when her husband did heare, he demanded of her by what
reason she knew it?  Mary (quoth she) the light on the table
sheweth the same.  The Milo laughed and said, Verily we
nourish a Sybel prophesier, which by the view of a candle
doth divine of Celestiall things, and of the Sunne it selfe.
Then I mused in my minde and sayd unto Milo, Of truth it is
a good experience and proofe of divination.  Neither is it
any marvell, for although this light is but a small light,
and made by the hands of men, yet hath it a remembrance of
that great and heavenly light, as of his parent, and doth
shew unto us what will happen in the Skies above.  For I
knew at Corinth a certaine man of Assyria, who would give
answers in every part of the City, and for the gaine of
money would tell every man his fortune, to some he would tel
the dayes of their marriages, to others hee would tell when
they should build, that their edifices should continue.  To
others, when they should go by sea or land: to me, purposing
to take my journay hither, he declared many things strange
and variable.  For sometimes hee sayd that I should winne
glory enough, sometimes he sayd that I should devise an
incredible Tale: and sometimes that I should make Bookes.
Whereat Milo laughed againe, and enquired of me, of what
stature this man of Assyria was, and what he was named.  In
faith (quoth I) he is a tall man and somewhat blacke, and
hee is called Diophanes.  Then sayd Milo, the same is he and
no other, who semblably hath declared many things here unto
us, whereby hee got and obtained great substance and
Treasure.

But the poore miser fell at length into the hands of
unpittifull and cruell fortune: For beeing on a day amongst
a great assembly of people, to tell the simple sort their
fortune, a certaine Cobler came unto him, and desired him to
tel when it should be best for him to take his voyage, the
which hee promised to do: the Cobler opened his purse and
told a hundred pence to pay him for his paines.  Whereupon
came a certaine young gentleman and tooke Diophanes by the
Garment.  Then he turning himselfe, embraced and kissed him,
and desired the Gentleman, who was one of his acquaintance,
to sit downe by him: and Diophanes being astonied with this
sudden change, forgot what he was doing, and sayd, O deare
friend you are heartily welcome, I pray you when arrived you
into these parts?  Then answered he, I will tell you soone,
but brother I pray you tell mee of your comming from the
Isle of Euboea, and how you sped by the way? Whereunto
Diophanes this notable Assyrian (not yet come unto his
minde, but half amased) soone answered and sayd, I would to
God that all our enemies and evill willers might fall into
the like dangerous peregrination and trouble. For the ship
where we were in, after it was tossed hither and thither, in
great peril, and after that the mast and stern brake
likewise in pieces, could in no wise be brought to shore,
but sunk into the water, and so we did swim, and hardly
escaped to land.  And after that, whatsoever was given unto
us in recompense of our losses, either by the pitty of
strangers, or by the benevolence of our friends, was taken
away from us by theeves, whose violence when my brother
Arisuatus did assay to resist, hee was cruelly murthered by
them before my face.  These things when he had sadly
declared, the Cobler tooke up his money againe which he had
told out to pay for the telling of his fortune, and ran
away.  Then Diophanes comming to himselfe perceived what he
had done, and we all that stood by laughed greatly.  But
that (quoth Milo) which Diophanes did tell unto you Lucius,
that you should be happy and have a prosperous journey, was
only true.  Thus Milo reasoned with me.  But I was not a
little sorry that I had traind him into such a vaine of
talke, that I lost a good part of the night, and the sweete
pleasure therof: but at length I boldly said to Milo, Let
Diophanes fare well with his evil fortune, and get againe
that which he lost by sea and land, for I verily do yet feel
the wearinesse of my travell, whereof I pray you pardon mee,
and give me licence to depart to bed: wherewithall I rose up
and went unto my chamber, where I found all things finely
prepared, and the childrens bed (because they should not
heare what we did in the night) was removed far off without
the chamber doore.  The table was all covered with those
meats that were left at supper, the cups were filled halfe
full with water, to temper and delay[*] the wine, the
flaggon stood ready prepared, and there lacked nothing that
was necessary for the preparation of Venus.  And when I was
entring into the bed, behold my Fotis (who had brought her
mistresse to bed) came in and gave me roses and floures
which she had in her apron, and some she threw about the
bed, and kissed mee sweetly, and tied a garland about my
head, and bespred the chamber with the residue.  Which when
shee had done, shee tooke a cup of wine and delaied it with
hot water, and profered it me to drinke; and before I had
drunk off all she pulled it from my mouth, and then gave it
me againe, and in this manner we emptied the pot twice or
thrice together.  Thus when I had well replenished my self
with wine, and was now ready unto Venery not onely in mind
but also in body, I removed my cloathes, and shewing to
Fotis my great impatiencie I sayd, O my sweet heart take
pitty upon me and helpe me, for as you see I am now prepared
unto the battell, which you your selfe did appoint: for
after that I felt the first Arrow of cruell Cupid within my
breast, I bent my bow very strong, and now feare (because it
bended so hard) lest my string should breake: but that thou
mayst the better please me, undresse thy haire and come and
embrace mee lovingly: whereupon she made no long delay, but
set aside all the meat and wine, and then she unapparelled
her selfe, and unattyred her haire, presenting her amiable
body unto me in manner of faire Venus, when shee goeth under
the waves of the sea.  Now (quoth shee) is come the houre of
justing, now is come the time of warre, wherefore shew thy
selfe like unto a man, for I will not retyre, I will not fly
the field, see then thou bee valiant, see thou be
couragious, since there is no time appointed when our
skirmish shall cease.  In saying these words she came to me
to bed, and embraced me sweetly, and so wee passed all the
night in pastime and pleasure, and never spelt until it was
day: but wee would eftsoones refresh our wearinesse, and
provoke our pleasure, and renew our venery by drinking of
wine.  In which sort we pleasantly passed away many other
nights following.



THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius supped with Byrrhena, and what a strange tale
Bellephoron told at the table.


It fortuned on a day, that Byrrhena desired me earnestly to
suppe with her; and shee would in no wise take any
excusation.  Whereupon I went unto Fotis, to aske counsell
of her as some Divine, who although she was unwilling that I
should depart one foot from her company, yet at length shee
gave me license to bee absent for a while, saying, Beware
that you tarry not long at supper there, for there is a
rabblement of common Barrettors and disturbers of the
publique peace, that rove about in the streets and murther
all such as they may take, neither can law nor justice
redresse them in any case.  And they will the sooner set
upon you, by reason of your comelinesse and audacity, in
that you are not afeard at any time to walke in the streets.

Then I answered and sayd, Have no care of me Fotis, for I
esteeme the pleasure which I have with thee, above the
dainty meates that I eat abroad, and therefore I will
returne againe quickly.  Neverthelesse I minde not to come
without company, for I have here my sword, wherby I hope to
defend my selfe.

And so in this sort I went to supper, and behold I found at
Byrrhena's house a great company of strangers, and of the
chiefe and principall of the city: the beds made of Citron
and Ivory, were richly adorned and spred with cloath of
gold, the Cups were garnished pretiously, and there were
divers other things of sundry fashion, but of like
estimation and price: here stood a glasse gorgeously
wrought, there stood another of Christall finely painted.
There stood a cup of glittering silver, and here stood
another of shining gold, and here was another of amber
artificially carved and made with pretious stones. Finally,
there was all things that might be desired: the Servitors
waited orderly at the table in rich apparell, the pages
arayed in silke robes, did fill great gemmes and pearles
made in forme of Cups, with excellent wine.  Then one
brought in Candles and Torches, and when we were set downe
and placed in order we began to talke, to laugh, and to be
merry.  And Byrrhena spake unto me and sayd, I pray you
Cousine how like you our countrey?  Verily I thinke there is
no other City which hath the like Temples, Baynes, and other
commodities which we have here.  Further we have abundance
of houshold stuffe, we have pleasure, we have ease, and when
the Roman merchants arrive in this City they are gently and
quietly entertained, and all that dwell within this province
(when they purpose to solace and repose themselves) do come
to this city. Whereunto I answered, Verily (quoth I) you
tell truth, for I can finde no place in all the world which
I like better than this, but I greatly feare the blind
inevitable trenches of witches, for they say that the dead
bodies are digged out of their graves, and the bones of them
that are burnt be stollen away, and the toes and fingers of
such as are slaine be cut off, and afflict and torment such
as live.  And the old Witches as soone as they heare of the
death of any person, do forthwith goe and uncover the hearse
and spoyle the corpse, to worke their inchantments.  Then
another sitting at the table spake and sayd, In faith you
say true, neither yet do they spare or favor the living.
For I know one not farre hence that was cruelly handled by
them, who being not contented with cutting off his nose, did
likewise cut off his ears, whereat all the people laughed
heartily, and looked upon one that sate at the boords end,
who being amased at their gazing, and somewhat angry
withall, would have risen from the Table, had not Byrrhena
spake unto him and sayd, I pray thee friend Bellepheron sit
still, and according to thy accustomed curtesie declare unto
us the losse of thy nose and eares, to the end that my
cousin Lucius may be delighted with the pleasantnes of the
tale.  To whom he answered, Madam you in the office of your
bounty shall prevaile heerein, but the insolencie of some is
not to be supported.  This hee spake very angerly: But
Byrrhena was earnest upon him, and assured him hee should
have no wrong at any mans hand.  Whereby he was inforced to
declare the same, and so lapping up the end of the Table
cloath and carpet together, hee leaned with his elbow
thereon, and held out the three forefingers of his right
hand in manner of an Orator, and sayd, When I was a young
man I went unto a certaine city called Milet, to see the
games and triumphs there named Olympia, and being desirous
to come into this famous province, after that I had
travelled over all Thessaly, I fortuned in an evill houre to
come to the City Larissa, where while I went up and down to
view the streets to seeke some reliefe for my poore estate
(for I had spent all my money) I espied a tall old man
standing upon a stone in the middest of the market place,
crying with a loud voice and saying, That if any man would
watch a dead corps that night hee should bee reasonably
rewarded for his paines.  Which when I heard, I sayd to one
that passed by, What is here to doe?  Doe dead men use to
run away in this Countrey?  Then answered he, Hold your
peace, for you are but a Babe and a stranger here, and not
without cause you are ignorant how you are in Thessaly,
where the women Witches do bite off by morsels the flesh of
the faces of dead men, and thereby worke their sorceries and
inchantments.  Then quoth I, In good fellowship tell me the
order of this custody and how it is.  Marry (quoth he) first
you must watch all the night, with your eyes bent
continually upon the Corps, never looking off, nor moving
aside.  For these Witches doe turn themselves into sundry
kindes of beasts, whereby they deceive the eyes of all men,
sometimes they are transformed into birds, sometimes into
Dogs and Mice, and sometimes into flies.  Moreover, they
will charme the keepers of the corps asleepe, neither can it
be declared what meanes and shifts these wicked women do
use, to bring their purpose to passe: and the reward for
such dangerous watching is no more than foure or sixe
shillings.  But hearken further (which I had well nigh
forgotten) if the keeper of the dead body doe not render on
the morning following, the corps whole and sound as he
received the same, he shall be punished in this sort: That
is, if the corps bee diminished or spoyled in any part of
his face, hands or toes, the same shall be diminished and
spoyled in the keeper.  Which when I heard I tooke a good
heart, and went unto the Crier and bid him cease, for I
would take the matter in hand, and so I demanded what I
should have.  Marry (quoth hee) a thousand pence: but beware
I say young man, that you do wel defend the dead corps from
the wicked witches, for hee was the son of one of the
chiefest of the city.  Tush (sayd I) you speake you cannot
tell what, behold I am a man made all of iron, and have
never desire to sleepe and am more quicke of sight than Lynx
or Argus.  I had scarse spoken these words, when he tooke me
by the hand and brought mee to a certaine house, the gate
whereof was closed fast, so that I went through the wicket,
then he brought me into a chamber somewhat darke, and shewed
me a Matron cloathed in mourning vesture, and weeping in
lamentable wise.  And he spake unto her and said, Behold
here is one that will enterprise to watch the corpes of your
husband this night.  Which when she heard she turned her
blubbered face covered with haire unto me, saying, I pray
you young man take good heed, and see well to your office.
Have no care (quoth I) so you will give mee any thing above
that which is due to be given.  Wherewith shee was
contented, and then she arose and brought me into a chamber
whereas the corps lay covered with white sheets, and shee
called seven witnesses, before whom she shewed the dead
body, and every part and parcell thereof, and with weeping
eyes desired them all to testifie the matter.  Which done,
shee sayd these words of course as follow: Behold, his nose
is whole, his eyes safe, his eares without scarre, his lips
untouched, and his chin sound: All which was written and
noted in tables, and subscribed with the hands of witnesses
to confirme the same.  Which done I sayd unto the Matron,
Madam I pray you that I may have all things here necessary.
What is that? (quoth she).  Marry (quoth I) a great lampe
with oyle, pots of wine, and water to delay the same, and
some other drinke and dainty dish that was left at supper.
Then she shaked her head and sayd, Away foole as thou art,
thinkest thou to play the glutton here, and to looke for
dainty meats where so long time hath not been seene smoke at
all?  Commest thou hither to eat, where we should weepe and
lament?  And therewithall she turned backe, and commanded
her maiden Myrrhena to deliver me a lampe with oyle, which
when shee had done they closed the chamber doore and
departed.  Now when I was alone, I rubbed myne eyes, and
armed my selfe to keep the corpes, and to the intent I would
not sleepe, I began to sing, and so I passed the time till
it was midnight, when as behold there crept in a Wesel into
the chamber, and she came against me and put me in very
great feare, insomuch that I marvelled greatly at the
audacity of so little a beast.  To whom I sayd, Get thee
hence thou whore and high thee to thy fellowes, lest thou
feele my fingers.  Why wilt thou not go?  Then
incontinently[*] she ranne away, and when she was gon, I
fell on the ground so fast asleepe, that Apollo himself
could not discerne whether of us two was the dead corps, for
I lay prostrat as one without life, and needed a keeper
likewise.  At length the cockes began to crow, declaring
that it was day: wherewithall I awaked, and being greatly
afeard ran to the dead body with the lamp in my hand, and I
viewed him round about: and immediately came in the Matron,
weeping with her Witnesses, and ran to the corps, and
eftsoons kissing him, turned his body and found no part
diminished. Then she willed Philodespotus her steward to pay
me my wages forthwith.  Which when he had done he sayd, We
thanke you gentle young man for your paines and verily for
your diligence herein wee wil account you as one of the
family.  Whereunto I (being joyous of my unhoped gaine, and
ratling my money in my hand) did answer, I pray you Madam
esteeme me as one of your Servants, and if you want my
service at any time, I am at your commandement.  I had not
fully declared these words, when as behold all the servants
of the house were assembled with weapons to drive me away,
one buffeted me about the face, another about the shoulders,
some strook me in the sides, some kicked me, and some tare
my garments, and so I was handled amongst them and driven
from the house, as the proud young man Adonis who was torne
by a Bore.  And when I was come into the next street, I
mused with my selfe, and remembered myne unwise and
unadvised words which I had spoken, whereby I considered
that I had deserved much more punishment, and that I was
worthily beaten for my folly.  And by and by the corps came
forth, which because it was the body of one of the chiefe of
the city, was carried in funeral pompe round about the
market place, according to the right of the Countrey there.
And forthwith stepped out an old man weeping and lamenting,
and ranne unto the Biere and embraced it, and with deepe
sighes and sobs cried out in this sort, O master, I pray you
by the faith which you professe, and by the duty which you
owe unto the weale publique[*], take pitty and mercy upon
this dead corps, who is miserably murdered, and doe
vengeance on this wicked and cursed woman his wife which
hath committed this fact: for it is shee and no other which
hath poysoned her husband my sisters sonne, to the intent to
maintaine her whoredome, and to get his heritage.  In this
sort the old man complained before the face of all people.
Then they (astonied at these sayings, and because the thing
seemed to be true) cried out, Burne her, burne her, and they
sought for stones to throw at her, and willed the boys in
the street to doe the same.  But shee weeping in lamentable
wise, did sweare by all the gods, that shee was not culpable
of this crime.  No quoth the old man, here is one sent by
the providence of God to try out the matter, even Zachlas an
Egypptian, who is the most principall Prophecier in all this
countrey, and who was hired of me for money to reduce the
soule of this man from hell, and to revive his body for the
triall hereof.  And therewithall he brought forth a certaine
young man cloathed in linnen rayment, having on his feet a
paire of pantofiles[*], and his crowne shaven, who kissed
his hands and knees, saying, O priest have mercy, have mercy
I pray thee by the Celestiall Planets, by the Powers
infernall, by the vertue of the naturall elements, by the
silences of the night, by the buildings of the Swallows nigh
unto the towne Copton, by the increase of the floud Nilus,
by the secret mysteries of Memphis, and by the instruments
and trumpets of the Isle Pharos, have mercy I say, and call
againe to life this dead body, and make that his eyes which
he closed and shut, may be open and see.  Howbeit we meane
not to strive against the law of death, neither intend wee
to deprive the earth of his right, but to the end this fact
may be knowne, we crave but a small time and space of life.
Whereat this Prophet was mooved, and tooke a certaine herbe
and layd it three times upon the mouth of the dead, and he
took another and laid it and laid it upon his breast in like
sort.  Thus when hee had done hee turned himselfe into the
East, and made certaine Orisons unto the Sunne, which caused
all the people to marvell greatly, and to looke for this
strange miracle that should happen.  Then I pressed in
amongst them nigh unto the biere, and got upon a stone to
see this mysterie, and behold incontinently the dead body
began to receive spirit, his principall veines did moove,
his life came again, and he held up his head and spake in
this sort: Why doe you call me backe againe to this
transitorie life, that have already tasted of the water of
Lethe, and likewise beene in the deadly den of Styx?  Leave
off I pray, leave off, and let me lie in quiet rest. When
these words were uttered by the dead corps, the Prophet drew
nigh unto the Biere and sayd, I charge thee to tell before
the face of all the people here, the occasion of thy death:
What, dost thou thinke that I cannot by my conjurations call
up the dead, and by my puissance[*] torment thy body?  Then
the corps moved his head again, and made reverence unto the
people, and sayd, Verily I was poysoned by the meanes of my
wicked wife, and so thereby yeelded my bed unto an
adulterer.  Whereat his wife taking present audacity, and
reproving his sayings, with a cursed minde did deny it.  The
people were bent against her sundry wayes, some thought best
that shee should bee buried alive with her husband: but some
said that there ought no credit to be given to a dead body.
Which opinion was cleane taken away, by the words which the
corps spoke againe and sayd, Behold, I will give you some
evident token, which never yet any other man knew, whereby
you shall perceive that I declare the truth: and by and by
he pointed towards me that stood on the stone, and sayd,
When this the good Gard of my body watched me diligently in
the night, and that the wicked Witches and Enchantresses
came into the chamber to spoyle mee of my limbes, and to
bring such their purpose to passe did transforme themselves
into the shape of beasts; and when as they could in no wise
deceive or beguile his vigilant eyes, they cast him into so
dead and sound a sleepe, that by their witchcraft he seemed
without spirit or life.  After this they called me by my
name, and did never cease til as the cold members of my body
began by little and little and little to revive.  Then he
being of more lively soule, howbeit buried in sleepe, in
that he and I were named by one name, and because he knew
not that they called me, rose up first, and as one without
sence or perseverance passed by the dore fast closed, unto a
certain hole, whereas the Witches cut off first his nose,
and then his ears, and so that was done to him which was
appointed to be done to me.  And that such their subtility
might not be perceived, they made him a like paire of eares
and nose of wax: wherfore you may see that the poore miser
for lucre of a little mony sustained losse of his members.
Which when he had sayd I was greatly astonied, and minding
to prove whether his words were true or no, put my hand to
my nose, and my nose fell off, and put my hand to my ears
and my ears fell off.  Wherat all the people wondred
greatly, and laughed me to scorne: but I beeing strucken in
a cold sweat, crept between their legs for shame and escaped
away.  So I disfigured returned home againe, and covered the
losse of myne ears with my long hair, and glewed this
clout[*] to my face to hide my shame.  As soon as Telephoron
had tolde his tale, they which sate at the table replenished
with wine, laughed heartily.  And while they drank one to
another, Byrrhena spake to me and said, From the first
foundation of this city we have a custome to celebrate the
festivall day of the god Risus, and to-morrow is the feast
when as I pray you to bee present, to set out the same more
honourably, and I will with all my heart that you could find
or devise somewhat of your selfe, that might be in honor of
so great a god.  To whom I answered, Verily cousin I will do
as you command me, and right glad would I be, if I might
invent any laughing or merry matter to please or satisfie
Risus withall.  Then I rose from the table and took leave of
Byrrhena and departed.  And when I came into the first
street my torch went out, that with great pain I could
scarce get home, by reason it was so dark, for fear of
stumbling: and when I was wel nigh come unto the dore,
behold I saw three men of great stature, heaving and lifting
at Milo's gates to get in: and when they saw me they were
nothing afeard, but assaied with more force to breake down
the dores, whereby they gave me occasion and not without
cause, to thinke that they were strong theeves.  Whereupon I
by and by drew out my sword, which I carried for that
purpose under my cloak, and ran in amongst them, and wounded
them in such sort that they fell downe dead before my face.
Thus when I had slaine them all, I knocked sweating and
breathing at the doore til Fotis let me in.  And then full
weary with the slaughter of those Theeves, like Hercules
when he fought against the king Gerion, I went to my chamber
and layd me down to sleep.




THE THIRD BOOKE



THE TWELFTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was taken and put in prison for murther.


When morning was come, and that I was awaked from sleep, my
heart burned sore with remembrance of the murther which I
had committed the night before: and I rose and sate downe on
the side of the bed with my legges acrosse, and wringing my
hands, I weeped in most miserable sort.  For I imagined with
my selfe, that I was brought before the Judge in the
Judgement place, and that he awarded sentence against me,
and that the hangman was ready to leade me to the gallows.
And further I imagined and sayd, Alasse what Judge is he
that is so gentle or benigne, that will thinke that I am
unguilty of the slaughter and murther of these three men.
Howbeit the Assyrian Diophanes did firmely assure unto me,
that my peregrination and voyage hither should be
prosperous.  But while I did thus unfold my sorrowes, and
greatly bewail my fortune, behold I heard a great noyse and
cry at the dore, and in came the magistrates and Officers,
who commanded two Sergeants to binde and leade me to prison.
Whereunto I was willingly obedient, and as they led me
through the street, all the City gathered together and
followed me, and although I looked alwayes on the ground for
very shame yet sometimes I cast my head aside, and marvelled
greatly that among so many thousand people there was not one
but laughed exceedingly. Finally, when they had brought me
through all the streets of the city, in manner of those that
go in procession, and do sacrifice to mitigate the ire of
the gods, they placed mee in the Judgement hall, before the
seat of the Judges: and after that the Crier had commanded
all men to keepe silence, and people desired the Judges to
give sentence in the great Theatre, by reason of the great
multitude that was there, whereby they were in danger of
stifling.  And behold the prease of people increased stil,
some climed to the top of the house, some got upon the
beames, some upon the Images, and some thrust their heads
through the windowes, little regarding the dangers they were
in, so they might see me.

Then the officers brought mee forth openly into the middle
of the hall, that every man might behold me.  And after that
the Crier had made a noyse, and willed all such as would
bring any evidence against me, should come forth, there
stept out an old man with a glasse of water in his hand,
dropping out softly, who desired that hee might have liberty
to speake during the time of the continuance of the water.
Which when it was granted, he began his oration in this
sort.



THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was accused by an old man, and how hee answered
for himselfe.


O most reverend and just Judges, the thing which I purpose
to declare unto you is no small matter, but toucheth the
estate and tranquillity of this whole City, and the
punishment thereof may be a right good example to others.
Wherefore I pray you most venerable Fathers, to whom and to
every of whom it doth appertain, to provide for the dignity
and safety of the Commonweale[*], that you would in no wise
suffer this wicked Homicide, embrued with the bloud of so
many murthered citisens, to escape unpunished.  And thinke
you not that I am moved hereunto by envy or hatred, but by
reason of my office, in that I am captain of the night
Watch, and because no man alive should accuse mee to bee
remisse in the same I wil declare all the whole matter,
orderly as it was done last night.

This night past, when as at our accustomed houre I
diligently searched every part of the city, Behold, I
fortuned to espy this cruell young man drawing out his sword
against three Citisens, and after a long combat foughten
betweene them, he murthered one after another miserably:
which when he had done, moved in his conscience at so great
a crime hee ran away, and aided by reason of darknes, slipt
into a house, and there lay hidden all night, but by the
providence of the Gods, which suffereth no heynous offence
to passe unpunished, hee was taken by us this morning before
he escaped any further, and so brought hither to your
honourable presence to receive his desert accordingly.

So have you here a guilty person, a culpable homicide, and
an accused stranger, wherefore pronounce yee judgement
against this man beeing an alien, when as you would most
severely and sharpely revenge such an offence found in a
known Citisen.  In this sort the cruell accuser finished and
ended his terrible tale. Then the Crier commanded me to
speake, if I had any thing to say for my selfe, but I could
in no wise utter any word at all for weeping.  And on the
other side I esteemed not so much his rigorous accusation,
as I did consider myne owne miserable conscience.  Howbeit,
beeing inspired by divine audacity, at length I gan[*] say,
Verily I know that it is an hard thing for him that is
accused to have slaine three persons, to perswade you that
he is not innocent, although he should declare the whole
truth, and confesse the matter how it was indeed, but if
your honours will vouchsafe to give me audience, I will shew
you, that if I bee condemned to die, I have not deserved it
as myne owne desert, but that I was mooved by fortune and
reasonable cause to doe that fact. For returning somewhat
late from supper yester night (beeing well tipled with wine,
which I will not deny) and approaching nigh to my common
lodging, which was in the house of one Milo a Citisen of
this city, I fortuned to espy three great theeves attempting
to break down his walls and gates, and to open the locks to
enter in.  And when they had removed the dores out of the
hookes, they consulted amongst themselves, how they would
handle such as they found in the house.  And one of them
being of more courage, and of greater stature than the rest,
spake unto his fellows and sayd, Tush you are but boyes,
take mens hearts unto you, and let us enter into every part
of the house, and such as we finde asleep let us kill, and
so by that meanes we shall escape without danger. Verily ye
Judges, I confesse that I drew out my sword against those
three Citizens, but I thought it was the office and duty of
one that beareth good will to this weale publique, so to
doe, especially since they put me in great fear, and assayed
to rob and spoyle my friend Milo.  But when those cruell and
terrible men would in no case run away, nor feare my naked
sword, but boldly resist against me, I ran upon them and
fought valiantly.  One of them which was the Captaine
invaded me strongly, and drew me by the haire with both his
hands, and began to beat me with a great stone: but in the
end I proved the hardier man, and threw him downe at my feet
and killed him.  I tooke likewise the second that clasped
about my legs and bit me, and slew him also.  And the third
that came running violently against me, after that I had
strucken him under the stomacke fell downe dead.  Thus when
I had delivered my selfe, the house, myne Hoste, and all his
family from this present danger, I thought that I should not
onely escape unpunished, but also have some great reward of
the city for my paines.

Moreover, I that have alwayes beene cleare and unspotted of
crime, and that have esteemed myne innocency above all the
treasure of the world, can finde no reasonable cause why
upon myne accusation I should be condemned to die, since
first I was mooved to set upon the theeves by just occasion.
Secondly, because there is none that can affirme, that there
hath been at any time either grudge or hatred between us.
Thirdly, we were men meere strangers and of no acquaintance.
Last of all, no man can proove that I committed that fact
for lucre or gaine.

When I had ended my words in this sort, behold, I weeped
againe pitteously, and holding up my hands I prayed all the
people by the mercy of the Commonweale, and for the love of
my poore infants and children, to shew me some pitty and
favour.  And when their hearts were somewhat relented and
mooved by my lamentable teares, I called all the gods to
witnesse that I was unguilty of the crime, and so to their
divine providence, I committed my present estate, but
turning my selfe againe, I perceived that all the people
laughed exceedingly, and especially my good friend and host
Milo.  Where is remorse of conscience? Behold, I am
condemned to die as a murtherer, for the safegard of myne
Host Milo and his Family.  Yet is he not contented with
that, but likewise laugheth me to scorne, when otherwise he
should comfort and helpe mee.



THE FOURTEENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was accused by two women, and how the slaine
bodies were found blowne bladders.


When this was done, out came a woman weeping in the middle
of the Theatre arrayed in mourning vesture, and bearing a
childe in her armes.  And after her came an old woman in
ragged robes, crying and howling likewise: and they brought
with them the Olive boughs wherewith the three slain bodies
were covered on the Beere, and cried out in this manner: O
right Judges, we pray you by the justice and humanity which
is in you, to have mercy upon these slaine persons, and
succour our Widowhood and losse of our deare husbands, and
especially this poore Infant, who is now an Orphan, and
deprived of all good fortune: and execute your justice by
order and law, upon the bloud of this Theefe, who is the
occasion of all our sorrowes.  When they had spoken these
words, one of the most antient Judges did rise and say,
Touching this murther, which deserveth great punishment,
this malefactor himselfe cannot deny, but our duty is to
enquire and try out, whether he had no Coadjutors to helpe
him.  For it is not likely that one man alone could kill
three such great and valiant persons, wherefore the truth
must be tried out by the racke, and so wee shall learne what
other companions he hath, and root out the nest of these
mischievous murtherers.  And there was no long delay, for
according unto the custome of Grecia, the fire, the wheele,
and many other torments were brought in.  Then my sorrow
encreased or rather doubled, in that I could not end my life
with whole and unperished members.  And by and by the old
woman, who troubled all the Court with her howling, desired
the Judges, that before I should be tormented on the racke,
I might uncover the bodies which I had slaine, that every
man might see their comely shape and youthfull beauty, and
that I might receive condigne and worthy punishment,
according to the quality of my offence: and therewithall
shee made a signe of joy.  Then the Judge commanded me
forthwith to discover[*] the bodies of the slain, lying upon
the beere, with myne owne hands: but when I refused a good
space, by reason I would not make my fact apparent to the
eies of men, the Sergeants charged me by commandment of the
Judges, and thrust me forward to do the same.  I then being
forced by necessity, though it were against my wil,
uncovered their bodies: but O good Lord what a strange sight
did I see, what a monster?  What sudden change of all my
sorrows?  I seemed as though I were one of the house of
Proserpina and of the family of death, insomuch that I could
not sufficiently expresse the forme of this new sight, so
far was I amased and astonied therat: for why, the bodies of
the three slain men were no bodies, but three blown bladders
mangled in divers places, and they seemed to be wounded in
those parts where I remembred I wounded the theeves the
night before.  Wherat the people laughed exceedingly: some
rejoyced marvellously at the remembrance thereof, some held
their stomacks that aked with joy, but every man delighted
at this passing sport, so passed out of the theatre.  But I
from the time that I uncovered the bodies stood stil as cold
as ice, no otherwise than as the other Statues and images
there, neither came I into my right sences, until such time
as Milo my Host came and tooke mee by the hand, and with
civil violence lead me away weeping and sobbing, whether I
would go or no.  And because that I might be seene, he
brought mee through many blinde wayes and lanes to his
house, where he went about to comfort me, beeing sad and yet
fearefull, with gentle entreaty of talke.  But he could in
no wise mitigate my impatiency of the injury which I
conceived within my minde.  And behold, by and by the
Magistrates and Judges with their ensignes entred into the
house, and endeavoured to pacifie mee in this sort, saying,
O Lucius, we are advertised of your dignity, and know the
genealogie of your antient linage, for the nobility of your
Kinne doe possesse the greatest part of all this Province:
and thinke not that you have suffered the thing wherfore you
weepe, to any your reproach and ignominy, but put away all
care and sorrow out of your minde.  For this day, which we
celebrate once a yeare in honour of the god Risus, is
alwaies renowned with some solemne novel, and the god doth
continually accompany with the inventor therof, and wil not
suffer that he should be sorrowfull, but pleasantly beare a
joyfull face.  And verily all the City for the grace that is
in you, intend to reward you with great honours, and to make
you a Patron.  And further, that your statue or image may be
set up for a perpetuall remembrance.

To whom I answered, As for such benefits as I have received
of the famous City of Thessaly, I yeeld and render most
entire thanks, but as touching the setting up of any statues
or Images, I would wish that they should bee reserved for
myne Auntients, and such as are more worthy than I.

And when I had spoken these words somewhat gravely, and
shewed my selfe more merry than I was before, the Judges and
magistrates departed, and I reverendly tooke my leave of
them, and bid them farewell.  And behold, by and by there
came one running unto me in haste and sayd, Sir, your cousin
Byrrhena desireth you to take the paines according to your
promise yester night, to come to supper, for it is ready.
But I greatly fearing to goe any more to her house in the
night, said unto the messenger, My friend I pray you tell to
my cousine your mistresse, that I would willingly be at her
commandement, but for breaking my troth and credit.  For
myne host Milo enforced me to assure him, and compelled me
by the feast of this present day, that I should not depart
from his company, wherefore I pray you to excuse me, and to
defer my promise to another time.

And while I was speaking these words, Milo tooke me by the
hand, and lead me towards the next Baine: but by the way I
went couching under him, to hide my selfe from the sight of
men, because I had ministred such an occasion of laughter.
And when I had washed and wiped my selfe, and returned home
againe, I never remembred any such thing, so greatly was I
abashed at the nodding and poynting of every person.  Then I
went to supper with Milo, where God wot[*] we fared but
meanly.  Wherefore feigning that my head did ake by reason
of my sobbing and weeping all the day, I desired license to
depart to my Chamber, and so I went to bed.



THE FIFTEENTH CHAPTER

How Fotis told to Apuleius, what witchcraft her mistresse
did use.


When I was a bed I began to call to minde all the sorrowes
and griefes that I was in the day before, untill such time
as my love Fotis, having brought her mistresse to sleepe,
came into the chamber, not as shee was wont to do, for she
seemed nothing pleasant neither in countenance nor talke,
but with sowre face and frowning looke, gan speake in this
sort, Verily I confesse that I have been the occasion of all
thy trouble this day, and therewith shee pulled out a whippe
from under her apron, and delivered it unto mee saying,
Revenge thy selfe of me mischievous harlot, or rather slay
me.

And thinke you not that I did willingly procure this anguish
and sorrow unto you, I call the gods to witnesse.  For I had
rather myne owne body to perish, than that you should
receive or sustaine any harme by my meanes, but that which I
did was by the commandement of another, and wrought as I
thought for some other, but behold the unlucky chance
fortuned on you by my evill occasion.

Then I, very curious and desirous to know the matter,
answered, In faith (quoth I) this most pestilent and evill
favoured whip which thou hast brought to scourge thee
withal, shal first be broken in a thousand pieces, than it
should touch or hurt thy delicate and dainty skin.  But I
pray you tell me how have you been the cause and mean of my
trouble and sorrow?  For I dare sweare by the love that I
beare unto you, and I will not be perswaded, though you your
selfe should endeavor the same, that ever you went to
trouble or harm me: perhaps sometimes you imagined an evil
thought in your mind, which afterwards you revoked, but that
is not to bee deemed as a crime.

When I had spoken these words, I perceived by Fotis eyes
being wet with tears and well nigh closed up that shee had a
desire unto pleasure and specially because shee embraced and
kissed me sweetly.  And when she was somewhat restored unto
joy, she desired mee that shee might first shut the chamber
doore, least by the untemperance of her tongue, in uttering
any unfitting words, there might grow further inconvenience.
Wherewithall she barred and propped the doore, and came to
me againe, and embracing me lovingly about the necke with
both her armes, spake with a soft voice and said, I doe
greatly feare to discover the privities[*] of this house, and
to utter the secret mysteries of my dame.  But I have such a
confidence in you and in your wisedome, by reason that you
are come of so noble a line, and endowed with so profound
sapience, and further instructed in so many holy and divine
things, that you will faithfully keepe silence, and that
whatsoever I shall reveale or declare unto you, you would
close them within the bottome of your heart, and never
discover the same: for I ensure you, the love that I beare
unto you, enforceth mee to utter it.  Now shal you know all
the estate of our house, now shal you know the hidden
secrets of my mistres, unto whome the powers of hel do obey,
and by whom the celestial planets are troubled, the gods
made weake, and the elements subdued, neither is the
violence of her art in more strength and force, than when
she espieth some comly young man that pleaseth her fancie,
as oftentimes it hapneth, for now she loveth one Boetian a
fair and beautiful person, on whom she employes al her
sorcery and enchantment, and I heard her say with mine own
ears yester night, that if the Sun had not then presently
gon downe, and the night come to miuister [sic] convenient
time to worke her magicall enticements, she would have
brought perpetuall darkness over all the world her selfe.
And you shall know, That when she saw yester night, this
Boetian sitting at the Barbers a polling, when she came from
the Baines shee secretly commanded me to gather some of the
haire of his head which lay dispersed upon the ground, and
to bring it home.  Which when I had thought to have done the
Barber espied me, and by reason it was bruited throughout
all the City that we were Witches and Enchantresses, he
cried out and said, Wil you never leave off stealing of
young mens haires?  In faith I assure you, unlesse you cease
your wicked Sorceries, I will complaine to the Justices.
Wherewithall he came angerly towards me, and tooke away the
haire which I had gathered, out of my apron: which grieved
me very much; for I knew my Mistresses manners, that she
would not be contented but beat me cruelly.

Wherefore I intended to runne away, but the remembrance of
you put alwayes that thought out of my minde, and so I came
homeward very sorrowfull: but because I would not seeme to
come to my mistresse sight with empty hands, I saw a man
shearing of blowne goat skinnes, and the hayre which he had
shorne off was yellow, and much resembled the haire of the
Beotian, [sic] and I tooke a good deale therof, and
colouring the matter, brought it to my mistresse.  And so
when night came, before your returne from supper, she to
bring her purpose to passe, went up to a high Gallery of her
house, opening to the East part of the world, and preparing
her selfe according to her accustomed practise, shee
gathered together all substance for fumigations, she brought
forth plates of mettal carved with strange characters, she
prepared the bones of such as were drowned by tempest in the
seas, she made ready the members of dead men, as the
nosethrils and fingers, shee set out the lumps of flesh of
such as were hanged, the blood which she had reserved of
such as were slaine, and the jaw bones and teeth of wilde
beasts, then she said certaine charmes over the haire, and
dipped it in divers waters, as in Wel water, Cow milke,
mountaine honey, and other liquor.  Which when she had done,
she tied and lapped it up together, and with many perfumes
and smells threw it into an hot fire to burn.  Then by the
great force of this Sorcerie, and the violence of so many
confections, those bodies whose haire was burning in the
fire, received humane shape, and felt, heard, came and
rapped at our doores in stead of Boetius.  Then you being
well tipled, and deceived by the obscurity of the night,
drew out your sword couragiously like furious Ajax, and
killd not as he did, whole heard of beasts, but three blowne
skinnes, to the intent that I after the slaughter of so many
enemies, without effusion of bloud might embrace and kisse
not an homicide, but an Utricide[*].

Thus when I was pleasantly mocked and taunted by Fotis, I
sayd unto her, Verily now may I for this atchieved
enterprise be numbered as Hercules, who by his valiant
prowesse performed the twelve notable Labors, as Gerion with
three bodies, and as Cerberus with three heads, for I have
slaine three blown Goats skinnes.  But to the end I may
pardon thee of that which thou hast committed, performe, the
thing which I shall most earnestly desire of thee, that is,
bring me that I may see and behold when thy mistresse goeth
about any Sorcery or enchantment, and when she prayeth unto
the gods: For I am very desirous to learne that art, and as
it seemeth unto mee, thou thy selfe hath some experience in
the same.  For this I know and plainely feele, That whereas
I have alwayes yrked and loathed the embracings and love of
Matrones, I am so stricken and subdued with thy shining
eyes, ruddy cheekes, glittering haire, sweet cosses[*], and
lilly white paps, that I neither have minde to goe home, nor
to depart hence, but esteeme the pleasure which I shall have
with thee this night, above all the joyes of the world.
Then (quoth shee) O my Lucius, how willing would I be to
fulfil your desire, but by reason shee is so hated, she
getteth her selfe into solitary places, and out of the
presence of every person, when she mindeth to work her
enchantments.  Howbeit I regard more to gratifie your
request, than I doe esteeme the danger of my life: and when
I see opportunitie and time I wil assuredly bring you word,
so that you shal see all her enchantments, but alwayes upon
this condition, that you secretly keepe close such things as
are done.

Thus as we reasoned together the courage of Venus assailed,
as well our desires as our members, and so shee unrayed her
selfe and came to bed, and as we passed the night in pastime
and dalliance, till as by drowsie and unlusty sleep I was
constrained to lie still.



THE SIXTEENTH CHAPTER

How Fotis brought Apuleius to see her Mistresse enchant.


On a day Fotis came running to me in great feare, and said
that her mistresse, to worke her sorceries on such as shee
loved, intended the night following to transforme her selfe
into a bird, and to fly whither she pleased.  Wherefore she
willed me privily[*] to prepare my self to see the same.
And when midnight came she led me softly into a high
chamber, and bid me look throw the chink of a doore: where
first I saw how shee put of all her garments, and tooke out
of a certain coffer sundry kindes of Boxes, of the which she
opened one, and tempered the ointment therein with her
fingers, and then rubbed her body therewith from the sole of
the foot to the crowne of the head, and when she had spoken
privily with her selfe, having the candle in her hand, she
shaked the parts of her body, and behold, I perceived a
plume of feathers did burgen out, her nose waxed crooked and
hard, her nailes turned into clawes, and so she became an
Owle.  Then she cried and screeched like a Bird of that
kinde, and willing to proove her force, mooved her selfe
from the ground by little and little, til at last she flew
quite away.

Thus by her sorcery shee transformed her body into what
shape she would.  Which when I saw I was greatly astonied;
and although I was inchanted by no kind of charme, yet I
thought that I seemed not to have the likenesse of Lucius,
for so was I banished from my sences, amazed in madnesse,
and so I dreamed waking, that I felt myne eyes, whether I
were asleepe or no.  But when I was come againe to my selfe,
I tooke Fotis by the hand, and moved it to my face and said,
I pray thee while occasion doth serve, that I may have the
fruition of the fruits of my desire, and grant me some of
this oyntment.  O Fotis I pray thee by thy sweet paps, to
make that in the great flames of my love I may bee turned
into a bird, so wil I ever hereafter be bound unto you, and
obedient to your commandement.  Then said Fotis, Wil you go
about to deceive me now, and inforce me to work my own
sorow?  Are you in the mind that you wil not tarry in
Thessaly? if you be a bird, where shal I seek you, and when
shal I see you? Then answered I, God forbid that I should
commit such a crime, for though I could fly in the aire as
an Eagle, or though I were the messenger of Jupiter, yet
would I have recourse to nest with thee: and I swear by the
knot of thy amiable hair, that since the time I first loved
thee, I never fancied any other person: moreover, this
commeth to my minde, that if by vertue of the oyntment I
shall become an Owle, I will take heed that I come nigh no
mans house: for I am not to learn, how these matrons would
handle their lovers, if they knew that they were transformed
into Owles: Moreover, when they are taken in any place they
are nayled upon posts, and so they are worthily rewarded,
because it is thought that they bring evill fortune to the
house.  But I pray you (which I had almost forgotten) tell
me by what meanes when I am an Owle, I shall returne to my
pristine shape, and become Lucius againe.  Feare not (quoth
she) for my mistres hath taught me the way to bring that to
passe, neither thinke you that she did it for any good will
and favour, but to the end I might helpe her, and minister
some remedy when she returneth home.

Consider I pray you with your selfe, with what frivolous
trifles so marvellous a thing is wrought: For by Hercules I
sweare I give her nothing else save a little Dill and
Lawrell leaves, in Well water, the which she drinketh and
washeth her selfe withall.  Which when she had spoken, shee
went into a chamber and tooke a box out of the coffer, which
I first kissed and embraced, and prayed that I might [have]
good successe in my purpose.  And then I put off all my
garments, and greedily thrust my hand into the box, and took
out a good deale of oyntment and rubbed my selfe withall.



THE SEVENTEENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius thinking to be turned into a bird, was turned
into an Asse, and how hee was led away by Theves.


After that I had well rubbed every part and member of my
body, I hovered with myne armes, and moved my selfe, looking
still when I should bee changed into a Bird as Pamphiles
was, and behold neither feathers nor appearance of feathers
did burgen out, but verily my haire did turne in
ruggednesse, and my tender skin waxed tough and hard, my
fingers and toes losing the number of five, changed into
hoofes, and out of myne arse grew a great taile, now my face
became monstrous, my nosthrils wide, my lips hanging downe,
and myne eares rugged with haire: neither could I see any
comfort of my transformation, for my members encreased
likewise, and so without all helpe (viewing every part of my
poore body) I perceived that I was no bird, but a plaine
Asse.

Then I thought to blame Fotis, but being deprived as wel of
language as humane shape, I looked upon her with my hanging
lips and watery eyes.  Who as soone as shee espied me in
such sort, cried out, Alas poore wretch that I am, I am
utterly cast away.  The feare I was in, and my haste hath
deceived me.  But it forceth not much, in regard a sooner
medicine may be gotten for this than for any other thing.
For if thou couldst get a Rose and eat it, thou shouldst be
delivered from the shape of an Asse, and become my Lucius
againe.  And would to God I had gathered some garlands this
evening past, according to my custome, then thou shouldst
not continue an Asse one nights space, but in the morning I
will seeke some remedy.  Thus Fotis lamented in pittifull
sort, but I that was now a perfect asse, and for Lucius a
brute beast, did yet retaine the sence and understanding of
a man.  And did devise a good space with my selfe, whether
it were best for me to teare this mischievous and wicked
harlot with my mouth, or to kicke and kill her with my
heels.  But a better thought reduced me from so rash a
purpose: for I feared lest by the death of Fotis I should be
deprived of all remedy and help.  Then shaking myne head,
and dissembling myne ire, and taking my adversity in good
part, I went into the stable to my own horse, where I found
another Asse of Miloes, somtime my host, and I did verily
think that mine owne horse (if there were any natural
conscience or knowledge in brute beasts) would take pitty
upon me, and profer me lodging for that might: but it
chanced far otherwise.  For see, my horse and the asse as it
were consented together to work my harm, and fearing lest I
should eat up their provender, would in no wise suffer me to
come nigh the manger, but kicked me with their heeles from
their meat, which I my self gave them the night before.
Then I being thus handled by them, and driven away, got me
into a corner of the stable, where while I remembred their
uncurtesie, and how on the morrow I should return to Lucius
by the help of a Rose, when as I thought to revenge my self
of myne owne horse, I fortuned to espy in the middle of a
pillar sustaining the rafters of the stable the image of the
goddesse Hippone, which was garnished and decked round about
with faire and fresh roses: then in hope of present remedy,
I leaped up with my fore feet as high as I could, stretching
out my neck, and with my lips coveting to snatch some roses.
But in an evill houre I did go about that enterprise, for
behold the boy to whom I gave charge of my horse came
presently in, and finding mee climbing upon the pillar,
ranne fretting towards me and said, How long shall wee
suffer this wild Asse, that doth not onely eat up his
fellowes meat, but also would spoyle the images of the gods?
Why doe not I kill this lame theefe and weake wretch?  And
therewithall looking about for some cudgel, hee espied where
lay a fagot of wood, and chusing out a crabbed truncheon of
the biggest hee could finde, did never cease beating of me
poore wretch, untill such time as by great noyse and
rumbling hee heard the doores of the house burst open, and
the neighbours crying in most lamentable sort, which
inforced him being stricken in feare, to fly his way.  And
by and by a troup of theeves entred in, and kept every part
and corner of the house with weapons.  And as men resorted
to aid and help them which were within the doores, the
theeves resisted and kept them back, for every man was armed
with a sword and target[*] in his hand, the glimpses[*]
whereof did yeeld out such light as if it had bin day.  Then
they brake open a great chest with double locks and bolts,
wherein was layd all the treasure of Milo, and ransackt the
same: which when they had done they packed it up and gave
every one a portion to carry: but when they had more than
they could beare away, yet were they loth to leave any
behind, but came into the stable, and took us two poore
asses and my horse, and laded us with greater trusses than
wee were able to beare.  And when we were out of the house
they followed us with great staves, and willed one of their
fellows to tarry behind, and bring them tydings what was
done concerning the robbery: and so they beat us forward
over great hils out of the way.  But I, what with my heavy
burden and long journy, did nothing differ from a dead asse:
wherfore I determined with my selfe to seek some civil
remedy, and by invocation of the name of the prince of the
country to be delivered from so many miseries: and on a time
I passed through a great faire, I came among a multitude of
Greeks, and I thought to call upon the renowned name of the
Emperor, and to say, O Cesar, and cried out aloud, O, but
Cesar I could in no wise pronounce.  The Theeves little
regarding my crying, did lay mee on and beate my wretched
skinne in such sort, that after it was neither apt nor meet
to make Sives[*] or Sarces[*].  Howbeit at last Jupiter
administred unto me an unhoped remedy.  For when we had
passed through many townes and villages, I fortuned to espy
a pleasant garden, wherein beside many other flowers of
delectable hiew, were new and fresh roses: and being very
joyful, and desirous to catch some as I passed by, I drew
neerer and neerer: and while my lips watered upon them, I
thought of a better advice more profitable for me, lest if
from an Asse I should become a man, I might fall into the
hands of the theeves, and either by suspition that I were
some witch, or for feare that I should utter their theft, I
should be slaine, wherefore I abstained for that time from
eating of Roses, and enduring my present adversity, I eat
hay as other Asses did.




THE FOURTH BOOKE



THE EIGHTEENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius thinking to eat Roses, was cruelly beaten by a
Gardener, and chased by dogs.


When noone was come, that the broyling heate of the sunne
had most power, we turned into a village to certaine of the
theeves acquaintance and friends, for verily their meeting
and embracing together did give me, poore asse, cause to
deeme the same, and the tooke the trusse from my backe, and
gave them part of the Treasure which was in it, and they
seemed to whisper and tell them that it was stollen goods,
and after that we were unladen of our burthens, they let us
loose into a medow to pasture, but myne own horse and Miloes
Asse would not suffer me to feed there with them, but I must
seeke my dinner in some other place.

Wherefore I leaped into a garden which was behinde the
stable, and being well nigh perished with hunger, although I
could finde nothing there but raw and green fallets, yet I
filled my hungry guts therwithall abundantly, and praying
unto all the gods, I looked about in every place if I could
espy any red roses in the gardens by, and my solitary being
alone did put me in good hope, that if I could find any
remedy, I should presently of an Asse be changed into Lucius
out of every mans sight.  And while I considered these
things, I looked about, and behold I saw a farre off a
shadowed valley adjoyning nigh unto a wood, where amongst
divers other hearbes and pleasant verdures, me thought I saw
divers flourishing Roses of bright damaske colour; and said
within my beastiall mind, Verily that place is the place of
Venus and the Graces, where secretly glistereth the royall
hew, of so lively and delectable a floure.  Then I desiring
the help of the guide of my good fortune, ranne lustily
towards the wood, insomuch that I felt my self that I was no
more an Asse, but a swift coursing horse: but my agility and
quicknes could not prevent the cruelty of my fortune; for
when I came to the place I perceived that they were no
roses, neither tender nor pleasant, neither moystned with
the heavenly drops of dew, nor celestiall liquor, which grew
out of the thicket and thornes there. Neither did I perceive
that there was any valley at all, but onely the bank of the
river, environed with great thick trees, which had long
branches like unto lawrell and bearing a flour without any
manner of sent, and the common people call them by the name
of Lawrel roses, which be very poyson to all manner of
beasts.  Then was I so intangled with unhappy fortune that I
little esteemed mine own danger, and went willingly to eat
of those roses, though I knew them to be present poyson: and
as I drew neere I saw a yong man that seemed to be the
gardener, come upon mee, and when he perceived that I had
devoured all his hearbs in the garden, he came swearing with
a great staffe in his hand, and laid upon me in such sort,
that I was well nigh dead, but I speedily devised some
remedy my self, for I lifted up my legs and kicked me with
my hinder heels, that I left him lying at the hill foot wel
nigh slain, and so I ran away.  Incontinently came out his
wife, who seeing her husband halfe dead, cried and howled in
pittifull sort, and went toward her husband, to the intent
that by her lowd cries shee might purchase to me present
destruction.  Then all the persons of the town, moved by her
noise came forth, and cried for dogs to tear me down.  Out
came a great company of Bandogs[*] and mastifes, more fit to
pul down bears and lions than me, whom when I beheld I
thought verily I should presently die: but I turned my self
about, and ranne as ever I might to the stable from whence I
came.  Then the men of the towne called in their dogs, and
took me and bound mee to the staple of a post, and scourged
mee with a great knotted whip till I was well nigh dead, and
they would undoubtedly have slaine me, had it not come to
passe, that what with the paine of their beating, and the
greene hearbes that lay in my guts, I caught such a laske
that I all besprinkled their faces with my liquid dung, and
enforced them to leave off.



THE NINETEENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was prevented of his purpose, and how the
Theeves came to their den.


Not long after, the theeves laded us againe, but especially
me, and brought us forth of the stable, and when wee had
gone a good part of our journey what with the long way, my
great burthen, the beating of staves, and my worne hooves, I
was so weary that I could scantly go.  Then I saw a little
before mee a river running with faire water, and I said to
my selfe, Behold, now I have found a good occasion: for I
will fall downe when I come yonder, and surely I will not
rise againe, neither with scourging nor beating, for I had
rather be slaine there presently, than goe any further.

And the cause why I determined so to doe was this, I thought
that the theeves when they did see me so feeble and weake
that I could not travell, to the intent they would not stay
in their journey, they would take the burthen from my backe
and put it upon my fellowes, and so for my furthere
punishment to leave me as a prey to the wolves and ravening
beasts.  But evill fortune prevented so good a
consideration; for the other Asse being of the same purpose
that I was of, by feigned and coloured weariness fell downe
first, with all his burthen upon the ground as though hee
were dead, and hee would not rise neither with beating nor
pricking, nor stand upon his feet, though they pulled him by
the tayl, by his legs, and by his eares: which when the
theeves beheld, as without all hope they said one unto
another, What should we stand here so long about a dead, or
rather a stony asse? let us bee gone: and so they tooke his
burthen, and divided some to mee, and some to my horse.  And
then they drew out their swords and cut off his legs, and
threw his body from the point of an hill down into a great
valley.  Then I considering with my selfe of the evill
fortune of my poore companion, and purposed now to forget
all subtility and deceit, and to play the good Asse to get
my masters favour, for I perceived by their talke that we
were come home well nigh at our journies end.  And after
that wee had passed over a little hill, wee came to our
appointed place, where when we were unladen of our burthens,
and all things carried in, I tumbled and wallowed in the
dust, to refresh my selfe in stead of water.  The thing and
the time compelleth me to make description of the places,
and especially of the den where the theeves did inhabit, I
will prove my wit what I can doe, and then consider you
whether I was an asse in judgment and sence, or no.  For
first there was an exceeding great hill compassed about with
big trees very high, with many turning bottoms full of
sharpe stones, whereby it was inaccessible. There was many
winding and hollow valleyes below, that it seemed like unto
a sea inclosed, or a standing floud.  Before the denne where
was no hill stood an high tower, and at the foot thereof
were sheepe-coats[*] fenced and walled with clay.  Before
the gate of the house were pathes made in stead of wals, in
such sort that you would easily judge it to be a very den
for theeves, and there was nothing else save a little
coat covered with thatch, wherein the Theeves did nightly
accustome to watch by order, as I after perceived.  And when
they were all crept into the house, and we fast tied with
halters at the dore, they began to chide with an old woman
there, crooked with age, who had the government and rule of
all the house, and said, How is it old witch, old trot, and
strumpet, that thou sittest idley all day at home, and
having no regard to our perillous labors, hast provided
nothing for our suppers, but sittest eating and swilling thy
selfe from morning till night?  Then the old woman trembled,
and scantly able to speak gan say, Behold my puissant[*] and
faithfull masters, you shall have meat and pottage enough by
and by: here is first store of bread, wine plenty, filled in
cleane rinsed pots, likewise here is hot water prepared to
bathe you.

Which when she had said, they put off all their garments and
refreshed themselves by the fire.  And after they were
washed and nointed with oyle, they sate down at the table
garnished with all kind of dainty meats.  They were no
sooner sate downe, but in came another company of yong men
more in number than was before, who seemed likewise to bee
Theeves, for they brought in their preyes[*] of gold and
silver, Plate, Jewels, and rich robes, and when they had
likewise washed, they sate amongst the rest, and served one
another by order. Then they drank and eat exceedingly,
crying, laughing and making such noyse, that I thought I was
amongst the tyrannous and wilde Lapithes, Thebans, and
Centaures.  At length one of them more valiant than the
rest, spake in this sort, We verily have manfully conquered
the house of Milo of Hippata, and beside all the riches and
treasure which by force we have brought away, we are all
come home safe, and are increased the more by this horse and
this Asse. But you that have roved about in the country of
Beotia, have lost your valiant captaine Lamathus, whose life
I more regarded than all the treasure which you have
brought: and therfore the memory of him shall bee renowned
for ever amongst the most noble kings and valiant captains:
but you accustome when you goe abroad, like men with ganders
hearts to creepe through every corner and hole for every
trifle.  Then one of them that came last answered, Why are
you only ignorant, that the greater the number is, the
sooner they may rob and spoile the house?  And although the
family be dispersed in divers lodgings, yet every man had
rather to defend his own life, than to save the riches of
his master: but when there be but a few theeves, then will
they rather not only regard themselves, but also their
substance, how little or great soever it be. And to the
intent you may beleeve me I will shew you an example: wee
were come nothing nigh to Thebes, where is the fountain of
our art and science, but we learned where a rich Chuffe[*]
called Chriseros did dwell, who for fear of offices in the
publique wel dissembled[*] his estate, and lived sole and
solitary in a small coat, howbeit replenished with
aboundance of treasure, and went daily in ragged and torn
apparel.  Wherefore wee devised with our selves to go to his
house and spoyl him of all his riches.  And when night came
we drew towards the dore, which was so strongly closed, that
we could neither move it, nor lift it out of the hooks, and
we thought it not best to break it open, lest by the noyse
we should raise up to our harm the neighbors by.  Then our
strong and valiant captain Lamathus trusting in his own
strength and force, thrust in his hand through a hole of the
dore, and thought to pull back the bolt: but the covetous
caitif Chriseros being awake, and making no noise came
softly to the dore and caught his hand and with a great
naile nailed it fast to the post: which when he had done, he
ran up unto a high chamber and called every one of his
neighbours by name, desiring them to succor him with all
possible speed, for his own house was on fire.  Then every
one for fear of their owne danger came running out to aid
him, wherewith we fearing our present peril, knew not what
was best to be don, whether wee should leave our companion
there, or yeeld our selves to die with him: but we by his
consent devised a better way, for we cut off his arm by the
elbow and so let it hang there: then wee bound his wound
with clouts, lest we should be traced by the drops of blood:
which don we took Lamathus and led him away, for fear we
would be taken: but being so nigh pursued that wee were in
present danger, and that Lamathus could not keepe our
company by reason of faintnesse; and on the other side
perceiving that it was not for his profit to linger behinde,
he spake unto us as a man of singular courage and vertue,
desiring us by much entreaty and prayer and by the puissance
of the god Mars, and the faith of our confederacy, to
deliver his body from torment and miserably captivity: and
further he said, How is it possible that so couragious a
Captaine can live without his hand, wherewith he could
somtime rob and slay so many people?  I would thinke my
selfe sufficiently happy if I might be slaine by one of you.
But when he saw that we all refused to commit any such fact,
he drew out his sword with his other hand, and after that he
had often kissed it, he thrust it clean through his body.
Then we honoured the corps of so puissant a man, and wrapped
it in linnen cloathes and threw him into the sea.  So lieth
our master Lamathus, buried and hid in the grave of water,
and ended his life as I have declared.  But Alcinus, though
he were a man of great enterprise, yet could he not beware
by Lamathus, nor void himselfe from evill fortune: for on a
day when he had entred into an old womans house to rob her,
he went up into a high chamber, where hee should first have
strangled her: but he had more regard to throw down the bags
of mony and gold out at a window, to us that stood under;
and when he was so greedy that he would leave nothing
behinde, he went unto the old womans bed where she lay
asleep, and would have taken off the coverlet to have thrown
downe likewise, but shee awaked, and kneeling on her knees,
desired him in this manner: O sir I pray you cast not away
such torne and ragged clouts into my neighbours houses, for
they are rich enough, and need no such things.  Then Alcinus
thinking her words to be true, was brought in beleefe, that
such things as he had throwne out already, and such things
as hee should throw out after, was not fallen downe to his
fellowes, but into other mens houses: wherefore hee went to
the window to see, and as hee thought to behold the places
round about, thrusting his body out of the window, the old
woman marked him wel, and came behind him softly, and though
shee had but small strength, yet with a sudden force she
tooke him by the heeles and thrust him out headlong, and so
he fell upon a marvellous great stone and burst his ribs,
wherby he vomited and spewed flakes of blood and presently
died.  Then wee threw him into the river likewise, as we had
done Lamathus before.

When we had thus lost two of our companions, wee liked not
Thebes, but marched towards the next city called Platea,
where we found a man of great fame named Demochares, that
purposed to set forth a great game, where should be a triall
of all kind of weapons: hee was come of a good house,
marvellous rich, liberall, and wel deserved that which he
had and had prepared many showes and pleasures for the
Common people, insomuch that there is no man can either by
wit or eloquence shew in words his worthy preparations of
noble price, he bestowed the most part of his patrimony in
buying of Beares, which he nourished to his great cost, and
esteemed more than all the other beasts, which either by
chasing hee caught himselfe, or which he dearly bought, or
which were given him from divers of his friends.

Howbeit for all his sumptuous cost, hee could not be free
from the malitious eyes of envy, for some of them were well
nigh dead with too long tying up, some meagre with the
broyling heate of the sun, some languished with lying, but
all having sundry diseases, were so afflicted that they died
one after another, and there was well nigh none left, in
such sort that you might see them lying in the streets
pitteously dead.  And the common people having no other meat
to feed on, little regarding any curiosity, would come forth
and fill their bellies with the flesh of the beares.  Then
by and by Babulus and I devised a pretty sport, wee drew one
of the greatest of the Beares to our lodging, as though wee
would prepare to eat thereof, where wee flayed of his
skinne, and kept his ungles[*] whole, but we medled not with
the head, but cut it off by the necke, and so let it hang to
the skinne.  Then we rased off the flesh from the necke and
cast dust thereon, and set it in the sun to dry.



THE TWENTIETH CHAPTER

How Trasileon was disguised in a Beares skin, and how he was
handled.

When the skinne was a drying we made merry with the flesh,
and then we devised with our selves, that one of us being
more valiant than the rest both in body and courage (so that
he would consent thereto) should put on the skin, and
feigning that hee were a Beare, should be led to Demochares
house in the night, by which means we thought to be received
and let in.  Many were desirous to play the Beare, but
especially one Thrasileon of a couragious minde would take
this enterprise in hand.  Then wee put him into the Beares
skin, which fitted him finely in every point, wee buckled it
fast under his belly, and covered the seam with the haire,
that it might not be seen.  After this we made little holes
through the bears head, and through his nosthrils and eyes,
for Thrasileon to see out and take wind at, in such sort
that he seemed a very lively and natural beast: when this
was don we went into a cave which we hired for the purpose,
and he crept in after like a bear with a good courage.  Thus
we began our subtility, and then wee imagined thus, wee
feigned letters as though they came from one Nicanor which
dwelt in the Country of Thracia, which was of great
acquaintance with this Demochares, wherein we wrote, that
hee had sent him beeing his friend, the first fruits of his
coursing and hunting.  When night was come, which was a meet
time for our purpose, we brought Thrasileon and our forged
letters and presented them to Demochares.  When Demochares
beheld this mighty Beare, and saw the liberality of Nicanor
his friend, hee commanded his servants to deliver unto us x.
crowns, having great store in his coffers.  Then (as the
novelty of a thing doth accustom to stir mens minds to
behold the same) many persons came on every side to see this
bear: but Thrasileon, lest they should by curious viewing
and prying perceive the truth, ran upon them to put them in
feare that they durst not come nigh.  The people said,
Verily Demochares is right happy, in that after the death of
so many beasts, hee hath gotten maugre[*] fortunes head, so
goodly a bear.  Then Demochares commanded him with all care
to be put into the park among the other beasts: but
immediately I spake unto him and said, Sir I pray you take
heed how you put a beast tired with the heat of the sun and
with long travell, among others which as I hear say have
divers maladies and diseases, let him rather ly in some open
place of your house nie some water, where he may take air
and ease himself, for doe not you know that such kind of
beasts do greatly delight to couch under the shadow of trees
and hillocks near pleasant wels and waters? Hereby
Demochares admonished, and remembring how many he had before
that perished, was contented we should put the bear where we
would.  Moreover we said unto him, that we our selves were
determined to lie all night neer the Bear, to looke unto
him, and to give him meat and drinke at his due houre.

Then he answered, Verily masters you need not put your
selves to such paines, for I have men that serve for nothing
but for that purpose.  So wee tooke leave of him and
departed: and when we were come without the gates of the
town, we perceived before us a great sepulchre standing out
of the highway in a privy and secret place, and thither we
went and opened the mouth thereof, whereas we found the
sides covered with the corruption of man, and the ashes and
dust of his long buried body, wherin we got our selves to
bring our purpose to passe, and having respect to the dark
time of night, according to our custome, when we thought
that every one was asleepe, we went with our weapons and
besieged the house of Demochares round about.  Then
Thrasileon was ready at hand, and leaped out of the caverne,
and went to kill all such as he found asleepe: but when he
came to the Porter, he opened the gates and let us all in,
and then he shewed us a large Counter, wherein we saw put
the night before a great aboundance if treasure: which when
by violence we had broke open, I bid every one of my
fellowes take as much gold and silver as they could carry
away, and beare it to the Sepulchre, and still as they
carried I stood at the gate, watching diligently when they
would returne.  The Beare running about the house, to make
such of the family afeard as fortuned to wake and come out.
For who is he that is so puissant and couragious, that at
the ougly sight of so great a monster will not quayle and
keepe his chamber especialy in the night?  But when wee had
brought this matter to so good a point, there chanced a
pittifull case, for as I looked for my companions that
should come from the sepulchre, behold there was a Boy of
the house that fortuned to looke out of a window, and espied
the Bear running about, and he went and told all the
servants of the house. Whereupon incontinently they came
forth with Torches, Lanthornes, and other lights, that they
might see all the yard over: they came with clubs, speares,
naked swords, Greyhounds, and Mastifes to slay the poore
beast.  Then I during this broyle thought to run away, but
because I would see Thrasileon fight with the Dogs, I lay
behinde the gate to behold him.  And although I might
perceive that he was well nigh dead, yet remembered he his
owne faithfulnes and ours, and valiantly resisted the gaping
and ravenous mouths of the hell hounds, so tooke hee in gree[*]
the pagiant which willingly he tooke in hand himselfe, and
with much adoe tumbled at length out of the house: but when
hee was at liberty abroad yet could he not save himselfe,
for all the dogs of the Streete joyned themselves to the
greyhounds and mastifes of the house, and came upon him.

Alas what a pittifull sight it was to see our poore
Thrasileon thus environed and compassed with so many dogs
that tare and rent him miserably.  Then I impatient of so
great a misery, ranne in amongst the prease of the people,
and ayding him with my words as much as I might, exhorted
them all in this manner: O great and extreame mischance,
what a pretious and excellent beast have we lost.  But my
words did nothing prevaile, for there came out a tall man
with a spear in his hand, that thrust him cleane through,
and afterwards many that stood by drew out their swords, and
so they killed him.  But verily our good Captaine
Thrasileon, the honour of our conflict, received his death
so patiently, that he would not bewray the league betweene
us, either by crying, howling or any other meanes, but being
torne with dogs and wounded with weapons, did yeeld forth a
dolefull cry, more like unto a beast than a man. And taking
his present fortune in good part, with courage and glory
enough did finish his life, with such a terror unto the
assembly, that no person was so hardy untill it was day, as
to touch him, though hee were starke dead: but at last there
came a Butcher more valiant than the rest, who opening the
panch of the beast, slit out an hardy and ventrous theefe.

In this manner we lost our Captain Thrasileon, but he left
not his fame and honour.

When this was done wee packed up our treasure, which we
committed to the sepulchre to keepe, and got out of the
bounds of Platea, thus thinking with our selves, that there
was more fidelity amongst the dead than amongst the living,
by reason that our preyes were so surely kept in the
sepulchre.  So being wearied with the weight of our
burthens, and well nigh tyred with long travail, having lost
three of our soldiers, we are come home with these present
cheats.

Thus when they had spoken in memory of their slaine
companions, they tooke cups of gold, and sung hymnes unto
the god Mars, and layd them downe to sleep.  Then the old
woman gave us fresh barley without measure, insomuch that my
horse fed so abundantly that he might well thinke hee was at
some banquet that day.  But I that was accustomed to eate
bran and flower, thought that but a sower kinde of meate.
Wherfore espying a corner where lay loaves of bread for all
the house I got me thither and filled my hungry guts
therewith.



THE TWENTY-FIRST CHAPTER

How the theeves stole away a Gentlewoman, and brought her to
their den.


When night was come the Theeves awakened and rose up, and
when they had buckled on their weapons, and disguised their
faces with visards, they departed.  And yet for all the
great sleep that came upon me, I could in no wise leave
eating: and whereas when I was man I could be contented with
one or two loaves at the most, now my guts were so greedy
that three panniers[*] full would scantly serve me, and
while I considered all these things the morning came, and
being led to a river, notwithstanding myne Assie
shamefastnesse I quencht my thirst.  And suddenly after, the
Theeves returned home carefull and heavy, bringing no
burthens with them, no not so much as traffe or baggage,
save only a maiden, that seemed by her habit to be some
gentlewoman borne, and the daughter of some worthy matron of
that country, who was so fair and beautifull, that though I
were an Asse, yet had I great affection for her.  The virgin
lamented and tare her hair, and rent her garments, for the
great sorrow she was in: but the theeves brought her within
the cave, and assisted to comfort her in this sort, Weep not
fair gentlewoman we pray you, for be you assured we wil do
no outrage nor violence to your person: but take patience a
while for our profit, for necessity and poore estate hath
compelled us to do this enterprise: we warrant you that your
parents, although they bee covetous, will be contented to
give us a great quantity of mony to redeeme and ransome you
from our hands.

With such and like flattering words they endeavoured to
appease the gentlewoman, howbeit she would in no case bee
comforted, but put her head betwixt her knees, and cried
pittiously.  Then they called the old woman, and commaunded
her to sit be the maiden, and pacify her dolor as much as
shee might.  And they departed awey to rob, as they
accustomed to doe, but the virgin would not asswage her
griefes, nor mitigate her sorrow by any entreaty of the old
woman, but howled and sobbed in such sort, that she made me
poore Asse likewise to weepe, and thus she said, Alasse can
I poore wench live any longer, that am come of so good a
house, forsaken of all my parents, friends, and family, made
a rapine and prey, closed servilely in this stony prison,
deprived of all pleasure, wherein I have beene brought up,
throwne in danger, ready to be rent in pieces among so many
sturdy theeves and dreadful robbers, can I (I say) cease
from weeping, and live any longer?  Thus she cried and
lamented, and after she had wearied her selfe with sorrow
and blubbered her face with teares, she closed the windowes
of her hollow eyes and laid down to sleepe.  And after that
she had slept, she rose againe like a furious and mad woman,
and beat her breast and comely face more than she did
before.

Then the old woman enquired the causes of her new and sudden
lamentation.  To whom sighing in pittifull sort shee
answered, Alas now I am utterly undone, now am I out of all
hope, O give me a knife to kill me, or a halter to hang me.
Whereat the old [woman] was more angry, and severely
commanded her to tell her the cause of her sorrow, and why
after her sleep she should renew her dolour[*] and miserable
weeping.  What, thinke you (quoth she) to deceive our yong
men of the price of your ransome?  No, no, therefore cease
your crying, for the Theeves doe little esteeme your
howling, and if you will not, I will surely burn you alive.
Hereat the Maiden was greatly feared, and kissed her hand
and said, O mother take pitty upon me and my wretched
fortune, and give me license a while to speake, for I thinke
I shall not long live, let there be mercy ripe and franke in
your venerable hoare head, and hear the sum of my calamity.

There was a comely young man, who for his bounty and grace
was beloved entirely of all the towne, my cousine Germane,
and but three yeares older than I; we two were nourished and
brought up in one house, lay under one roofe, and in one
chamber, and at length by promise of marriage, and by
consent of our parents we were contracted together.  The
marriage day was come, the house was garnished with lawrel,
and torches were set in every place in the honour of
Hymeneus, my espouse was accompanied with his parents,
kinsfolke and friends, and made sacrifice in the temples and
publique places.  And when my unhappy mother pampered me in
her lap, and decked me like a bride, kissing me sweetly, and
making me a parent for Children, behold there came in a
great multitude of theeves armed like men of warre, with
naked swords in their hands, who went not about to doe any
harme, neither to take any thing away, but brake into the
chamber where I was, and violently tooke me out of my
mothers armes, when none of our family would resist for
feare.

In this sort was our marriage disturbed, like the marriage
of Hyppodame and Perithous.  But behold my good mother, now
my unhappy fortune is renewed and encreased: For I dreamed
in my sleepe, that I was pulled out of our house, out of our
chamber, and out of my bed, and that I removed about in
solitary and unknowne places, calling upon the name of my
unfortunate husband, and how that he, as soone as he
perceived that I was taken away, even smelling with perfumes
and crowned with garlands, did trace me by the steppes,
desiring the aid of the people to assist him, in that his
wife was violently stollen away.  And as he went crying up
and down, one of the theeves mooved with indignation, by
reason of his pursuit, took up a stone that lay at his feet,
and threw it at my husband and killed him.  By the terror of
which sight, and the feare of so dreadfull a dreame, I
awaked.

Then the old woman rendring out like sighes, beganne to
speake in this sort: My daughter take a good heart unto you,
and bee not afeard at feigned and strange visions and
dreams, for as the visions of the day are accounted false
and untrue, so the visions of the night doe often chance
contrary.  And to dreame of weeping, beating, and killing,
is a token of good luck and prosperous change.  Whereas
contrary, is a signe of sadnesse, sickenesse, loss of
substance, and displeasure.  But I will tell thee a pleasant
Tale, to put away all thy sorrow, and to revive thy spirits.
And so she began in this manner.



The Marriage of Cupid & Psyches

THE TWENTY-SECOND CHAPTER

The most pleasant and delectable tale of the marriage of
Cupid and Psyches.


There was sometimes a certaine King, inhabiting in the West
parts, who had to wife a noble Dame, by whom he had three
daughters exceeding fair: of whom the two elder were of such
comly shape and beauty, as they did excell and passe all
other women living, whereby they were thought worthily to
deserve the praise and commendation of every person, and
deservedly to be preferred above the residue of the common
sort.  Yet the singular passing beauty and maidenly majesty
of the yongest daughter did so farre surmount and excell
them two, as no earthly creature could by any meanes
sufficiently expresse or set out the same.

By reason wherof, after the fame of this excellent maiden
was spread abroad in every part of the City, the Citisens
and strangers there beeing inwardly pricked by the zealous
affection to behold her famous person, came daily by
thousands, hundreths, and scores, to her fathers palace, who
was astonied with admiration of her incomparable beauty, did
no lesse worship and reverence her with crosses, signes and
tokens, and other divine adorations, according to the
custome of the old used rites and ceremonies, than if she
were Lady Venus indeed: and shortly after the fame was
spread into the next cities and bordering regions, that the
goddesse whom the deep seas had born and brought forth, and
the froth of the waves had nourished, to the intent to shew
her high magnificencie and divine power on earth, to such as
erst[*] did honour and worship her, was now conversant amongst
mortall men, or else that the earth and not the sea, by a
new concourse and influence of the Celestiall planets, had
budded and yeelded forth a new Venus, endued with the floure
of virginity.

So daily more and more encreased this opinion, and now is
her flying fame dispersed into the next Island, and well
nigh into every part and province of the whole world.
Wherupon innumerable strangers resorted from farre
Countries, adventuring themselves by long journies on land
and by great perils on water, to behold this glorious
virgin.  By occasion wherof such a contempt grew towards the
goddesse Venus, that no person travelled unto the Towne
Paphos, nor to the Isle Gyndos, nor to Cythera to worship
her.  Her ornaments were throwne out, her temples defaced,
her pillowes and cushions torne, her ceremonies neglected,
her images and Statues uncrowned, and her bare altars
unswept, and fowl with the ashes of old burnt sacrifice.
For why, every person honoured and worshipped this maiden in
stead of Venus, and in the morning at her first comming
abroad offered unto her oblations, provided banquets, called
her by the name of Venus, which was not Venus indeed, and in
her honour presented floures and garlands in most reverend
fashion.

This sudden change and alteration of celestiall honour, did
greatly inflame and kindle the love of very Venus, who
unable to temper her selfe from indignation, shaking her
head in raging sort, reasoned with her selfe in this manner,
Behold the originall parent of all these elements, behold
the Lady Venus renowned throughout all the world, with whome
a mortall maiden is joyned now partaker of honour: my name
registred in the city of heaven is prophaned and made vile
by terrene absurdities.  If I shall suffer any mortall
creature to present my Majesty on earth, or that any shall
beare about a false surmised shape of my person, then in
vain did Paris the sheepheard (in whose judgement and
confidence the great Jupiter had affiance[*]) preferre me above
the residue of the goddesses, for the excellency of my
beauty: but she, whatsoever she be that hath usurped myne
honour, shal shortly repent her of her unlawful estate.  And
by and by she called her winged sonne Cupid, rash enough and
hardy, who by his evil manners contemning all publique
justice and law, armed with fire and arrowes, running up and
downe in the nights from house to house, and corrupting the
lawfull marriages of every person, doth nothing but that
which is evill, who although that hee were of his owne
proper nature sufficiently prone to worke mischief, yet she
egged him forward with words, and brought him to the city,
and shewed him Psyches (for so the maid was called), and
having told the cause of her anger, not without great rage,
I pray thee (quoth shee) my dear childe, by motherly bond of
love, by the sweet wounds of thy piercing darts, by the
pleasant heate of thy fire, revenge the injury which is done
to thy mother by the false and disobedient beauty of a
mortall maiden, and I pray thee, that without delay shee may
fall in love with the most miserable creature living, the
most poore, the most crooked, and the most vile, that there
may bee none found in all the world of like wretchednesse.
When she had spoken these words she embraced and kissed her
sonne, and took her voyage towards the sea.

When she came upon the sea she began to cal the gods and
goddesses, who were obedient at her voyce.  For incontinent
came the daughters of Nereus, singing with tunes
melodiously: Portunus with his bristled and rough beard,
Salita with her bosome full of fish, Palemon the driver of
the Dolphine, the Trumpetters of Tryton, leaping hither and
thither, and blowing with heavenly noyse: such was the
company which followed Venus, marching towards the ocean
sea.

In the meane season Psyches with all her beauty received no
fruit of honor. She was wondred at of all, she was praised
of all, but she perceived that no King nor Prince, nor any
of the superior sort did repaire to wooe her.  Every one
marvelled at her divine beauty, as it were some Image well
painted and set out.  Her other two sisters which were
nothing so greatly exalted by the people, were royally
married to two Kings: but the virgin Psyches sitting at home
alone, lamented her solitary life, and being disquieted both
in mind and body, although she pleased all the world, yet
hated shee in her selfe her owne beauty.  Whereupon the
miserable father of this unfortunate daughter, suspecting
that the gods and powers of heaven did envy her estate, went
to the town called Milet to receive the Oracle of Apollo,
where he made his prayers and offered sacrifice, and desired
a husband for his daughter: but Apollo though he were a
Grecian, and of the country of Ionia, because of the
foundation of Milet, yet hee gave answer in Latine verse,
the sence wherof was this:--

     Let Psyches corps be clad in mourning weed
     And set on rocke of yonder hill aloft:
     Her husband is no wight of humane seed,
     But Serpent dire and fierce as might be thought.
     Who flies with wings above in starry skies,
     And doth subdue each thing with firie flight.
     The gods themselves, and powers that seem so wise,
     With mighty Jove, be subject to his might,
     The rivers blacke, and deadly flouds of paine,
     And darkness eke[*], as thrall to him remaine.

The King, sometimes happy when hee heard the prophesie of
Apollo, returned home sad and sorrowfull, and declared to
his wife the miserable and unhappy fate of his daughter.
Then they began to lament and weep, and passed over many
days in great sorrow.  But now the time approached of
Psyches marriage, preparation was made, blacke torches were
lighted, the pleasant songs were turned into pittifull
cries, the melody of Hymeneus was ended with deadly howling,
the maid that should be married did wipe her eyes with her
vaile.  All the family and people of the city weeped
likewise, and with great lamentation was ordained a remisse
time for that day, but necessity compelled that Psyches
should be brought to her appointed place, according to the
divine appointment.

And when the solemnity was ended, they went to bring this
sorrowfull spowse, not to her marriage, but to her finall
end and buriall.  And while the father and mother of Psyches
did go forward weeping and crying to do this enterprise,
Psyches spake unto them in this sort: Why torment you your
unhappy age with continuall dolour?  Why trouble you your
spirits, which are more rather myne than yours?  Why soyle
ye your faces with teares, which I ought to adore and
worship?  Why teare you my eyes in yours? why pull you your
hory haires?  Why knocke ye your breasts for me?  Now you
see the reward of my excellent beauty: now, now you
perceive, but too late, the plague of envy.  When the people
did honour me, and call me the new Venus, then yee should
have wept, then you should have sorrowed as though I had
been dead: for now I see and perceive that I am come to this
misery by the only name of Venus, bring mee, and as fortune
hath appointed, place me on the top of the rocke, I greatly
desire to end my marriage, I greatly covet to see my
husband.  Why doe I delay? why should I refuse him that is
appointed to destroy all the world.

Thus ended she her words, and thrust her selfe amongst the
people that followed.  Then they brought her to the
appointed rocke of the high hill, and set [her] hereon, and
so departed.  The Torches and lights were put out with the
tears of the people, and every man gone home, the miserable
Parents well nigh consumed with sorrow, gave themselves to
everlasting darknes.

Thus poore Psyches being left alone, weeping and trembling
on the toppe of the rocke, was blowne by the gentle aire and
of shrilling Zephyrus, and caried from the hill with a meek
winde, which retained her garments up, and by little and
little brought her downe into a deepe valley, where she was
laid in a bed of most sweet and fragrant flowers.

Thus faire Psyches beeing sweetly couched among the soft and
tender hearbs, as in a bed of sweet and fragrant floures,
and having qualified the thoughts and troubles of her
restlesse minde, was now well reposed.  And when she had
refreshed her selfe sufficiently with sleepe, she rose with
a more quiet and pacified minde, and fortuned to espy a
pleasant wood invironed with great and mighty trees.  Shee
espied likewise a running river as cleare as crystall: in
the midst of the wood well nigh at the fall of the river was
a princely Edifice, wrought and builded not by the art or
hand of man, but by the mighty power of God: and you would
judge at the first entry therin, that it were some pleasant
and worthy mansion for the powers of heaven.  For the
embowings above were of Citron and Ivory, propped and
undermined with pillars of gold, the walls covered and
seeled with silver, divers sorts of beasts were graven and
carved, that seemed to encounter with such as entered in.
All things were so curiously and finely wrought, that it
seemed either to be the worke of some Demy god, of God
himselfe.  The pavement was all of pretious stones, divided
and cut one from another, whereon was carved divers kindes
of pictures, in such sort that blessed and thrice blessed
were they which might goe upon such a pavement: Every part
and angle of the house was so well adorned, that by reason
of the pretious stones and inestimable treasure there, it
glittered and shone in such sort, that the chambers,
porches, and doores gave light as it had beene the Sunne.
Neither otherwise did the other treasure of the house
disagree unto so great a majesty, that verily it seemed in
every point an heavenly Palace, fabricate and built for
Jupiter himselfe.

Then Psyches moved with delectation approched nigh, and
taking a bold heart entred into the house, and beheld every
thing there with great affection, she saw storehouses
wrought exceedingly fine, and replenished with aboundance of
riches.  Finally, there could nothing be devised which
lacked there: but amongst such great store of Treasure this
was most marvellous, that there was no closure, bolt, nor
locke to keepe the same.  And when with great pleasure she
had viewed all these things, she heard a voyce without any
body, that sayd, Why doe you marvell Madame at so great
riches? behold, all that you see is at your commandement,
wherefore goe you into the chamber, and repose your selfe
upon the bed, and desire what bath you will have, and we
whose voyces you heare bee your servants, and ready to
minister unto you according to your desire.  In the meane
season, royall meats and dainty dishes shall be prepared for
you.

Then Psyches perceived the felicity of divine providence,
and according to the advertisement of the incorporeall
voyces she first reposed her selfe upon the bed, and then
refreshed her body in the vaines [sic].  This done, shee saw
the table garnished with meats, and a chaire to sit downe.

When Psyches was set downe, all sorts of divine meates and
wines were brought in, not by any body, but as it were with
a winde, for she saw no person before her, but only heard
voyces on every side.  After that all the services were
brought to the table, one came in and sung invisibly,
another played on the harpe, but she saw no man.  The
harmony of the Instruments did so greatly shrill in her
ears, that though there were no maner of person, yet seemed
she in the midst of a multitude of people.

All these pleasures finished, when night aproched Psyches
went to bed, and when she was layd, that the sweet sleep
came upon her, she greatly feared her virginity, because
shee was alone.  Then came her unknowne husband and lay with
her: and after that hee had made a perfect consummation of
the marriage, he rose in the morning before day, and
departed.  Soone after came her invisible servants, and
presented to her such things as were necessary for her
defloration.  And thus she passed forth a great while, and
as it happeneth, the novelty of things by continuall custome
did encrease her pleasure, but specially the sound of the
instruments was a comfort unto her being alone.

During this time that Psyches was in this place of
pleasures, her father and mother did nothing but weepe and
lament, and her two sisters hearing of her most miserable
fortune, came with great dolour and sorrow to comfort and
speake with their parents.

The night following, Psyches husband spake unto her (for she
might feele his eyes, his hands, and his ears) and sayd, O
my sweet Spowse and dear wife, fortune doth menace unto thee
imminent danger, wherof I wish thee greatly to beware: for
know that thy sisters, thinking that thou art dead, bee
greatly troubled, and are come to the mountain by thy steps.
Whose lamentations if thou fortune to heare, beware that
thou doe in no wise either make answer, or looke up towards
them, for if thou doe thou shalt purchase to mee great
sorrow, and to thy selfe utter destruction.  Psyches hearing
her Husband, was contented to doe all things as hee had
commanded.

After that hee was departed and the night passed away,
Psyches lamented and lamented all the day following,
thinking that now shee was past all hopes of comfort, in
that shee was closed within the walls of a prison, deprived
of humane conversation, and commaunded not to aid her
sorrowfull Sisters, no nor once to see them.  Thus she
passed all the day in weeping, and went to bed at night,
without any refection of meat or baine.

Incontinently after came her husband, who when hee had
embraced her sweetly, began to say, Is it thus that you
performe your promise, my sweet wife?  What do I finde
heere?  Passe you all the day and the night in weeping?  And
wil you not cease in your husbands armes?  Goe too, doe what
ye will, purchase your owne destruction, and when you finde
it so, then remember my words, and repent, but too late.
Then she desired her husband more and more, assuring him
that shee should die, unlesse he would grant that she might
see her sisters, wherby she might speake with them and
comfort them, wherat at length he was contented, and
moreover hee willed that shee should give them as much gold
and jewels as she would.  But he gave her a further charge
saying, Beware that ye covet not (being mooved by the
pernicious counsell of your sisters) to see the shape of my
person, lest by your curiosity you deprive your selfe of so
great and worthy estate.  Psyches being glad herewith,
rendered unto him most entire thankes, and said, Sweet
husband, I had rather die than to bee separated from you,
for whosoever you be, I love and retaine you within my heart
as if you were myne owne spirit or Cupid himselfe: but I
pray you grant this likewise, that you would commaund your
servant Zephyrus to bring my sisters downe into the valley
as he brought mee.

Wherewithall shee kissed him sweetly, and desired him gently
to grant her request, calling him her spowse, her
sweetheart, her Joy, and her Solace. Wherby she enforced him
to agree to her mind, and when morning came he departed
away.

After long search made, the sisters of Psyches came unto the
hill where she was set on the rocke, and cried with a loud
voyce in such sort that the stones answered againe.  And
when they called their sister by her name, that their
lamentable cries came unto her eares, shee came forth and
said, Behold, heere is shee for whom you weepe, I pray you
torment your selves no more, cease your weeping.  And by and
by shee commaunded Zephyrus by the appointment of her
husband to bring then downe.  Neither did hee delay, for
with gentle blasts he retained them up and layd them softly
in the valley.  I am not able to expresse the often
embracing, kissing and greeting which was betweene them
three, all sorrows and tears were then layd apart.

Come in (quoth Psyches) into our house, and refresh your
afflicted mindes with your sister.

After this she shewed them the storehouses of treasure, shee
caused them to hear the voices which served her, the bain
was ready, the meats were brought in, and when they had
filled themselves with divine delecates, they conceived
great envy within their hearts, and one of them being
curious, did demand what her husband was, of what estate,
and who was Lord of so pretious a house?  But Psyches
remembring the promise which she had made to her husband,
feigned that hee was a young man, of comely stature, with a
flaxen beard, and had great delight in hunting in the hills
and dales by.  And lest by her long talke she should be
found to trip or faile in her words, she filled their laps
with gold, silver, and Jewels, and commanded Zephyrus to
carry them away.

When they were brought up into the mountain, they tooke
their wayes homeward to their owne houses, and murmured with
envy that they bare against Psyches, saying, Behold cruell
and contrary fortune, behold how we, borne all of one
Parent, have divers destinies: but especially we that are
the elder two bee married to strange husbands, made as
Handmaidens, and as it were banished from our Countrey and
friends.  Whereas our younger sister hath great abundance of
treasure, and hath gotten a god to her husband, although
shee hath no skill how to use so great plenty of riches.
Saw you not sister what was in the house, what great store
of jewels, what glittering robes, what Gemmes, what gold we
trod on?  That if shee have a husband according as she
affirmeth, there is none that liveth this day more happy in
all the world than she.  And so it may come to passe, that
at length for the great affection which hee may beare unto
her hee may make her a goddesse: for by Hercules, such was
her countenance, so she behaved her self, that as a goddesse
she had voices to serve her, and the winds did obey her.

But I poore wretch have first maried an husband elder than
my father, more bald than a Coot, more weake than a child,
and that locketh me up all day in the house.

Then said the other sister, And in faith I am married to a
husband that hath the gout, twyfold[*], crooked, not couragious
in paying my debt, I am faine to rub and mollifie his stony
fingers with divers sorts of oyles, and to wrap them in
playsters and salves, so that I soyle my white and dainty
hands with the corruption of filthy clouts, not using my
selfe like a wife, but more like a servant.  And you my
sister seem likewise to be in bondage and servitude,
wherefore I cannot abide to see our younger sister in such
great felicity; saw you not I pray you how proudly and
arrogantly shee handled us even now?  And how in vaunting
her selfe she uttered her presumptuous minde, how she cast a
little gold into our laps, and being weary of our company,
commanded that we should be borne and blown away?

Verily I live not, nor am a woman, but I will deprive her of
all her blisse. And if you my sister bee so far bent as I,
let us consult together, and not to utter our minde to any
person, no not to our parents, nor tell that ever we saw
her.  For it sufficeth that we have seene her, whom it
repenteth to have seene. Neither let us declare her good
fortune to our father, nor to any other, since as they seeme
not happy whose riches are unknowne: so shall she know that
shee hath sisters no Abjects, but worthier than she.

But now let us goe home to our husbands and poore houses,
and when wee are better instructed, let us returne to
suppresse her pride.  So this evill counsell pleased these
two evil women, and they hid the treasure which Psyches gave
them, and tare their haire, renewing their false and forged
teares.  When their father and mother beheld them weep and
lament still, they doubled their sorrowes and griefes, but
full of yre and forced with Envy, they tooke their voyage
homeward, devising the slaughter and destruction of their
sister.

In the meane season the husband of Psyches did warne her
againe in the night with these words: Seest thou not (quoth
he) what perill and danger evill fortune doth threaten unto
thee, whereof if thou take not good heed it will shortly
come upon thee.  For the unfaithfull harlots doe greatly
endeavor to set their snares to catch thee, and their
purpose is to make and perswade thee to behold my face,
which if thou once fortune to see, as I have often told,
thou shalt see no more.  Wherfore if these naughty hagges,
armed with wicked minds, doe chance to come againe (as I
thinke no otherwise but that they will) take heed that thou
talke not with them, but simply suffer them to speake what
they will, howbeit if thou canst not refraine thy selfe,
beware that thou have no communication of thy husband, nor
answer a word if they fortune to question of me, so we will
encrease our stocke, and this young and tender childe,
couched in this young and tender belly of thine, if thou
conceale my secrets, shall be made an immortall god,
otherwise a mortal creature.  Then Psyches was very glad
that she should bring forth a divine babe, and very joyfull
in that she should be honored as a mother.  She reckened and
numbered carefully the days and months that passed, and
beeing never with child before, did marvel greatly that in
so short a time her belly should swel so big.  But those
pestilent and wicked furies breathing out their Serpentine
poyson, took shipping[*] to bring their enterprise to passe.
Then Psyches was warned again by her husband in this sort:
Behold the last day, the extream case, and the enemies of
thy blood, hath armed themselves against us, pitched their
campe, set their host in array, and are marching towards us,
for now thy two sisters have drawn their swords, and are
ready to slay thee.  O with what force are we assailed this
day!  O sweet Psyches I pray thee to take pitty on thy
selfe, of me, and deliver thy husband and this infant within
thy belly from so great danger, and see not, neither heare
these cursed women, which are not worthy to be called thy
sisters, for their great hatred and breach of sisterly
amity, for they wil come like Syrens to the mountains, and
yeeld out their pittious and lamentable cries.  When Psyches
had heard these words shee sighed sorrowfully and said, O
deare husband, this long time have you had experience and
triall of my faith, and doubt you not but that I will
persever in the same, wherefore command your winde Zephyrus,
that hee may doe as hee hath done before, to the intent that
where you have charged me not to behold your venerable face,
yet that I may comfort my selfe with the sight of my
sisters.  I pray you by these beautifull haires, by these
round cheeks delicate and tender, by your pleasant hot
breast, whose shape and face I shall learne at length by the
childe in my belly, grant the fruit of my desire, refresh
your deare Spowse Psyches with joy, who is bound and linked
unto you for ever.  I little esteeme to see your visage and
figure, little doe I regard the night and darkenesse
thereof, for you are my only light.

Her husband being as it were inchanted with these words and
compelled by violence of her often embracing, wiping away
her teares with his haire, did yeeld unto his wife.  And
when morning came, departed as hee was accustomed to doe.

Now her sisters arrived on land, and never rested til they
came to the rock, without visiting their parents, and leapt
down rashly from the hill themselves. Then Zephyrus
according to the divine commandment brought them down,
though it were against his wil, and laid them in the vally
without any harm: by and by they went into the palace to
their sister without leave, and when they had eftsoone
embraced their prey, and thanked her with flattering words
for the treasure which she gave them, they said, O deare
sister Psyches, know you that you are now no more a childe,
but a mother: O what great joy beare you unto us in your
belly?  What a comfort will it be unto all the house?  How
happy shall we be, that shall see this Infant nourished
amongst so great plenty of Treasure?  That if he be like his
parents, as it is necessary he should, there is no doubt but
a new Cupid shall be borne.  By this kinde of meanes they
went about to winne Psyches by little and little, but
because they were wearie with travell, they sate them downe
in chaires, and after that they had washed their bodies in
baines they went into a Parlour, where all kinde of meats
were ready prepared.  Psyches commanded one to play with his
harpe, it was done.  Then immediately others sung, others
tuned their instruments, but no person was seene, by whose
sweet harmony and modulation the sisters of Psyches were
greatly delighted.

Howbeit the wickednesse of these cursed women was nothing
suppressed by the sweet noyse of these instruments, but they
setled themselves to worke their treasons against Psyches,
demanding who was her husband, and of what Parentage. Then
shee having forgotten by too much simplicity, what she had
spoken before of her husband, invented a new answer, and
said that her husband was of a great province, a merchant,
and a man of a middle age, having his beard intersparsed
with gray haires.  Which when shee had spoken (because she
would have no further talke) she filled their laps full of
Gold and Silver, and bid Zephyrus to bear them away.

In their returne homeward they murmured within themselves,
saying, How say you sister to so apparent a lye of Psyches?
First she sayd that her husband was a young man of
flourishing yeares, and had a flaxen beard, and now she
sayth that he is halfe gray with age.  What is he that in so
short a space can become so old?  You shall finde it no
otherwise my sister, but that either this cursed queane hath
invented a great lie, or else that she never saw the shape
of her husband.  And if it be so that she never saw him,
then verily she is married to some god, and hath a yong god
in her belly.  But if it be a divine babe, and fortune to
come to the eares of my mother (as God forbid it should)
then may I go and hang my selfe: wherfore let us go to our
parents, and with forged lies let us colour the matter.

After they were thus inflamed, and had visited their
Parents, they returned againe to the mountaine, and by the
ayd of the winde Zephyrus were carried downe into the
valley, and after they had streined their eye lids, to
enforce themselves to weepe, they called unto Psyches in
this sort, Thou (ignorant of so great evill) thinkest thy
selfe sure and happy, and sittest at home nothing regarding
thy peril, whereas wee goe about thy affaires, and are
carefull lest any harme should happen unto you: for we are
credibly informed, neither can we but utter it unto you,
that there is a great serpent full of deadly poyson, with a
ravenous and gaping throat, that lieth with thee every
night.  Remember the Oracle of Apollo, who pronounced that
thou shouldest be married to a dire and fierce Serpent, and
many of the Inhabitants hereby, and such as hunt about in
the countrey, affirme that they saw him yesternight
returning from pasture and swimming over the River, whereby
they doe undoubtedly say, that hee will not pamper thee long
with delicate meats, but when the time of delivery shall
approach he will devoure both thee and thy child: wherefore
advise thy selfe whether thou wilt agree unto us that are
carefull of thy safety, and so avoid the perill of death,
and bee contented to live with thy sisters, or whether thou
wilt remaine with the Serpent, and in the end be swallowed
into the gulfe of his body.  And if it be so that thy
solitary life, thy conversation with voices, this servile
and dangerous pleasure, and the love of the Serpent doe more
delight thee, say not but that we have played the parts of
naturall sisters in warning thee.

Then the poore and simple miser Psyches was mooved with the
feare of so dreadfull words, and being amazed in her mind,
did cleane forget the admonitions of her husband, and her
owne promises made unto him, and throwing her selfe headlong
into extreame misery, with a wanne and sallow countenance,
scantly uttering a third word, at length gan say in this
sort: O my most deare sisters, I heartily thanke you for
your great kindnesse toward me, and I am now verily
perswaded that they which have informed you hereof hath
informed you of nothing but truth, for I never saw the shape
of my husband, neither know I from whence he came, only I
heare his voice in the night, insomuch that I have an
uncertaine husband, and one that loveth not the light of
day: which causeth me to suspect that he is a beast, as you
affirme.  Moreover, I doe greatly feare to see him, for he
doth menace and threaten great evill unto mee, if I should
goe about to spy and behold his shape wherefore my loving
sisters if you have any wholsome remedy for your sister in
danger, give it now presently.  Then they opened the gates
of their subtill mindes, and did put away all privy guile,
and egged her forward in her fearefull thought, perswading
her to doe as they would have her: whereupon one of them
began and sayd, Because that wee little esteeme any perill
or danger, to save your life, we intend to shew you the best
way and meane as we may possibly do.  Take a sharpe razor
and put it under the pillow of your bed; and see that you
have ready a privy burning lampe with oyle, hid under some
part of the hanging of the chamber, and finely dissembling
the matter when according to his custome hee commeth to bed
and sleepeth soundly, arise you secretly, and with your bare
feet goe and take the lampe, with the Razor in your right
hand, and with valiant force cut off the head of the
poysonous serpent, wherein we will aid and assist you: and
when by the death of him you shall be made safe, we wil
marry you to some comely man.

After they had thus inflamed the heart of their sister
fearing lest some danger might happen unto them by reason of
their evill counsell, they were carried by the wind Zephyrus
to the top of the mountaine, and so they ran away and tooke
shipping.

When Psyches was left alone (saving that she seemed not to
be alone, being stirred by so many furies) she was in a
tossing minde like the waves of the sea, and although her
wil was obstinate, and resisted to put in execution the
counsell of her Sisters, yet she was in doubtfull and divers
opinions touching her calamity.  Sometime she would,
sometime she would not, sometime she is bold, sometime she
feareth, sometime shee mistrusteth, somtime she is mooved,
somtime she hateth the beast, somtime she loveth her
husband: but at length night came, when as she prepared for
her wicked intent.

Soon after her husband came, and when he had kissed and
embraced her he fell asleep.  Then Psyches (somwhat feeble
in body and mind, yet mooved by cruelty of fate) received
boldnes and brought forth the lampe, and tooke the razor, so
by her audacity she changed her mind: but when she took the
lamp and came to the bed side, she saw the most meeke and
sweetest beast of all beasts, even faire Cupid couched
fairly, at whose sight the very lampe encreased his light
for joy, and the razor turned his edge.

But when Psyches saw so glorious a body shee greatly feared,
and amazed in mind, with a pale countenance all trembling
fel on her knees and thought to hide the razor, yea verily
in her owne heart, which doubtlesse she had done, had it not
through feare of so great an enterprise fallen out of her
hand.  And when she saw and beheld the beauty of the divine
visage shee was well recreated in her mind, she saw his
haires of gold, that yeelded out a sweet savor, his neck
more white than milk, his purple cheeks, his haire hanging
comely behinde and before, the brightnesse whereof did
darken the light of the lamp, his tender plume feathers,
dispersed upon his shoulders like shining flours, and
trembling hither and thither, and his other parts of his
body so smooth and so soft, that it did not repent Venus to
beare such a childe.  At the beds feet lay his bow, quiver,
and arrowes, that be the weapons of so great a god: which
when Psyches did curiously behold, she marvelling at her
husbands weapons, took one of the arrows out of the quiver,
and pricked her selfe withall, wherwith she was so
grievously wounded that the blood followed, and thereby of
her owne accord shee added love upon love; then more
broyling in the love of Cupid shee embraced him and kissed
him a thousand times, fearing the measure of his sleepe.
But alas while shee was in this great joy, whether it were
for envy, for desire to touch this amiable body likewise,
there fell out a droppe of burning oyle from the lampe upon
the right shoulder of the god.  O rash and bold lampe, the
vile ministery of love, how darest thou bee so bold as to
burne the god of all fire?  When as he invented thee, to the
intent that all lovers might with more joy passe the nights
in pleasure.

The god beeing burned in this sort, and perceiving that
promise and faith was broken, hee fled away without
utterance of any word, from the eyes and hands of his most
unhappy wife.  But Psyches fortuned to catch him as hee was
rising, by the right thigh, and held him fast as hee flew
above in the aire, untill such time as constrained by
wearinesse she let goe and fell downe upon the ground. But
Cupid followed her downe, and lighted upon the top of a
Cypresse tree, and angerly spake unto her in this manner: O
simple Psyches, consider with thy selfe how I, little
regarding the commandement of my mother (who willed mee that
thou shouldst bee married to a man of base and miserable
condition) did come my selfe from heaven to love thee, and
wounded myne owne body with my proper weapons, to have
thee to my Spowse: And did I seeme a beast unto thee, that
thou shouldst go about to cut off my head with a razor, who
loved thee so well?  Did not I alwayes give thee a charge?
Did not I gently will thee to beware?  But those cursed
aiders and Counsellors of thine shalt be sufficiently
punished by my absence.  When hee had spoken these words he
tooke his flight into the aire.  Then Psyches fell flat on
the ground, and as long as she could see her husband she
cast her eyes after him into the aire, weeping and lamenting
pitteously: but when hee was gone out of her sight shee
threw her selfe into the next running river, for the great
anguish and dolour that shee was in for the lack of her
husband; howbeit the water would not suffer her to be
drowned, but tooke pitty upon her, in the honour of Cupid
which accustomed to broyle and burne the river, and threw
her upon the bank amongst the herbs.

Then Pan the rusticall god sitting on the river side,
embracing and [instructing] the goddesse Canna to tune her
songs and pipes, by whom were feeding the young and tender
Goats, after that he perceived Psyches in sorrowfull case,
not ignorant (I know not by what meanes) of her miserable
estate, endeavored to pacifie her in this sort: O faire
maid, I am a rusticke and rude heardsman, howbeit by reason
of my old age expert in many things, for as farre as I can
learne by conjecture (which according as wise men doe terme
is called divination) I perceive by your uncertaine gate,
your pale hew, your sobbing sighes, and your watery eyes,
that you are greatly in love.  Wherefore hearken to me, and
goe not about to slay your selfe, nor weepe not at all, but
rather adore and worship the great god Cupid, and winne him
unto you by your gentle promise of service.

When the god of Shepheards had spoken these words, she gave
no answer, but made reverence to him as to a god, and so
departed.

After that Psyches had gone a little way, she fortuned
unawares to come to a city where the husband of one of her
Sisters did dwell.  Which when Psyches did understand, shee
caused that her sister had knowledge of her comming, and so
they met together, and after great embracing and salutation,
the sister of Psyches demaunded the cause of her travell
thither.  Marry (quoth she) doe you not remember the
counsell you gave me, whereby you would that I should kill
the beast which under colour of my husband did lie with mee
every night?  You shall understand, that as soone as I
brought forth the lampe to see and behold his shape, I
perceived that he was the sonne of Venus, even Cupid
himselfe that lay with mee.  Then I being stricken with
great pleasure, and desirous to embrace him, could not
thoroughly asswage my delight, but alas by evill chance the
boyling oyle of the lampe fortuned to fall on his shoulder,
which caused him to awake, and seeing me armed with fire and
weapons, gan say, How darest thou be so bold to doe so great
a mischiefe? depart from me and take such things as thou
didst bring: for I will have thy sister (and named you) to
my wife, and she shall be placed in thy felicity, and by and
by hee commaunded Zephyrus to carry me away from the bounds
of his house.

Psyches had scantly finished her tale, but the sister
pierced with the pricke of carnall desire and wicked envy,
ran home, and feigning to her husband that shee had heard
word of the death of her parents, tooke shipping and came to
the mountaine.  And although there blew a contrary winde,
yet being brought in a vaine hope, she cried, O Cupid take
me a more worthy wife, and thou Zephyrus beare downe thy
mistresse, and so she cast her selfe headlong from the
mountaine: but shee fell not into the valley neither alive
nor dead, for all the members and parts of her body were
torn amongst the rockes, wherby she was made a prey unto the
birds and wild beasts, as she worthily deserved.

Neither was the vengeance of the other delayed, for Psyches
travelling in that country, fortuned to come to another city
where her other sister did dwel; to whom when shee had
declared all such things as she told to her other sister,
shee ran likewise unto the rock and was slaine in like sort.
Then Psyches travelled about in the countrey to seeke her
husband Cupid, but he was gotten into his mothers chamber,
and there bewailed the sorrowful wound which he caught by
the oyle of a burning lamp.

Then the white bird the Gull, which swims on the waves of
the water, flew toward the Ocean sea, where he found Venus
washing and bathing her selfe: to whom she declared that her
son was burned and in danger of death, and moreover that it
was a common brute in the mouth of every person (who spake
evill of all the family of Venus) that her son doth nothing
but haunt the harlots in the mountain, and she her selfe
lasciviously use to ryot in the sea: wherby they say that
they are now become no more gratious, pleasant, nor gentle,
but incivile, monstrous and horrible.  Moreover, that
marriages are not for any amity, or for love of procreation,
but full of envy, discord, and debate.  This the curious Gul
did clatter in the ears of Venus, reprehending her son.  But
Venus began to cry and sayd, What hath my sonne gotten any
Love?  I pray thee gentle bird that doest serve me so
faithfully, tell me what she is, and what is her name that
hath troubled my son in such sort? whether shee be any of
the Nymphs, of the number of the goddesses, of the company
of the Muses, or of the mistery of the Graces?  To whom the
bird answered, Madam I know not what shee is, but this I
know that she is called Psyches.  Then Venus with
indignation cried out, What is it she? the usurper of my
beauty, the Vicar of my name?  What did he think that I was
a bawd, by whose shew he fell acquainted with the maid?  And
immediately she departed and went to her chamber, where she
found her son wounded as it was told unto her, whom when she
beheld she cries [sic] out in this sort.

Is this an honest thing, is this honourable to thy parents?
is this reason, that thou hast violated and broken the
commandement of thy mother and soveraign mistresse: and
whereas thou shouldst have vexed my enemy with loathsom
love, thou hast done otherwise?

For beeing of tender and unripe yeares, thou hast with too
licentious appetite embraced my most mortall Foe, to whome I
shall bee made a mother, and shee a Daughter.

Thou presumest and thinkest, thou trifling boy, thou Varlet,
and without all reverence, that thou art most worthy and
excellent, and that I am not able by reason of myne age to
have another son, which if I should have, thou shouldst well
understand that I would beare a more worthier than thou.
But to worke thee a greater despight, I do determine to
adopt one of my servants, and to give him these wings, this
fire, this bow, and these Arrowes, and all other furniture
which I gave to thee, not to this purpose, neither is any
thing given thee of thy father for this intent: but first
thou hast been evill brought up, and instructed in thy youth
thou hast thy hands ready and sharpe.  Thou hast often
offended thy antients, and especially me that am thy mother,
thou hast pierced mee with thy darts, thou contemnest me as
a widow, neither dost thou regard thy valiant and invincible
father, and to anger me more, thou art amorous of harlots
and wenches: but I will cause that thou shalt shortly repent
thee, and that this marriage shal be dearely bought.  To
what point am [I] now driven?  What shall I do?  Whither
shall I goe?  How shall I represse this beast?  Shall I aske
ayd of myne enemy Sobriety, whom I have often offended to
engender thee?  Or shall I seeke for counsel of every poore
rusticall woman? No, no, yet I had rather dye, howbeit I
will not cease my vengeance, to her must I have recourse for
helpe, and to none other (I meane to Sobriety), who may
correct thee sharpely, take away thy quiver, deprive thee of
thy arrowes, unbend thy bow, quench thy fire, and which is
more subdue thy body with punishment: and when that I have
rased and cut off this thy haire, which I have dressed with
myne owne hands, and made to glitter like gold, and when I
have clipped thy wings, which I my selfe have caused to
burgen, then shall I thinke to have revenged my selfe
sufficiently upon thee for the injury which thou hast done.
When shee had spoken these words shee departed in a great
rage out of her chamber.

Immediatelie as she was going away came Juno and Ceres,
demaunding the cause of her anger.  Then Venus answered,
Verily you are come to comfort my sorrow, but I pray you
with all diligence to seeke out one whose name is Psyches,
who is a vagabond, and runneth about the Countries, and (as
I thinke) you are not ignorant of the brute of my son Cupid,
and of his demeanour, which I am ashamed to declare.  Then
they understanding the whole matter, endeavoured to mitigate
the ire of Venus in this sort: What is the cause Madam, or
how hath your son so offended, that you shold [sic] so
greatly accuse his love, and blame him by reason that he is
amorous? and why should you seeke the death of her, whom he
doth fancie?  We most humbly intreat you to pardon his
fault, if hee have accorded to the mind of any maiden: what
do you not know that he is a young man?  Or have you
forgotten of what yeeres he is?  Doth he seeme alwayes unto
you to be a childe?  You are his mother, and a kind woman,
will you continually search out his dalliance?  Will you
blame his luxury?  Will you bridle his love? and will you
reprehend your owne art and delights in him?  What God or
man is hee, that can endure that you should sowe or disperse
your seed of love in every place, and to make restraint
thereof within your owne doores? certes you will be the
cause of the suppression of the publike paces of young
Dames. In this sort this goddesse endeavoured to pacifie her
mind, and to excuse Cupid with al their power (although he
were absent) for feare of his darts and shafts of love.  But
Venus would in no wise asswage her heat, but (thinking that
they did rather trifle and taunt at her injuries) she
departed from them, and tooke her voiage towards the sea in
all haste.  In the meane season Psyches hurled her selfe
hither and thither, to seeke her husband, the rather because
she thought that if he would not be appeased with the sweet
flattery of his wife, yet he would take mercy on her at her
servile and continuall prayers.  And (espying a Church on
the top of a high hill) she said, What can I tell whether my
husband and master be there or no? wherefore she went
thitherward, and with great paine and travell, moved by
hope, after that she climbed to the top of the mountaine,
she espied sheffes of corn lying on a heap, blades withered
with garlands, and reeds of barly, moreover she saw hooks,
sithes, sickles, and other instruments, to reape, but every
thing lay out of order, and as it were cast in by the hands
of laborers, which when Psyches saw she gathered up and put
every thing in order, thinking that she would not despise or
contemne the temples of any of the Gods, but rather get the
favour and benevolence of them all: by and by Ceres came in,
and beholding her busie and curious in her chapell, cried
out a far off, and said, O Psyches needfull of mercy, Venus
searcheth for thee in every place to revenge her selfe and
to punish thee grievously, but thou hast more mind to be
heere, and carest for nothing lesse, then [sic] for thy
safety.  Then Psyches fell on her knees before her, watring
her feet with her teares, wiping the ground with her haire,
and with great weeping and lamentation desired pardon,
saying, O great and holy Goddesse, I pray thee by thy
plenteous and liberall right hand, by the joyfull ceremonies
of thy harvest, by the secrets of thy Sacrifice, by the
flying chariots of thy dragons, by the tillage of the ground
of Sicilie, which thou hast invented, by the marriage of
Proserpin, by the diligent inquisition of thy daughter, and
by the other secrets which are within the temple of Eleusis
in the land of Athens, take pitty on me thy servant Psyches,
and let me hide my selfe a few dayes amongst these sheffes
of corne, untill the ire of so great a Goddesse be past, or
untill that I be refreshed of my great labour and travell.
Then answered Ceres, Verely Psyches, I am greatly moved by
thy prayers and teares, and desire with all my heart to aide
thee, but if I should suffer thee to be hidden here, I
should increase the displeasure of my Cosin, with whom I
have made a treatie of peace, and an ancient promise of
amity: wherefore I advise thee to depart hence and take it
not in evil part in that I will not suffer thee to abide and
remaine here within my temple.  Then Psyches driven away
contrary to her hope, was double afflicted with sorrow, and
so she returned back againe.  And behold she perceived a far
off in a vally a Temple standing within a Forest, faire and
curiously wrought, and minding to over-passe no place
whither better hope did direct her, and to the intent she
would desire pardon of every God, she approached nigh unto
the sacred doore, whereas she saw pretious riches and
vestiments ingraven with letters of gold, hanging upon
branches of trees, and the posts of the temple testifying
the name of the goddesse Juno, to whom they were dedicate,
then she kneeled downe upon her knees, and imbraced the
Alter with her hands, and wiping her teares, gan pray in
this sort: O deere spouse and sister of the great God
Jupiter which art adored and worshipped amongst the great
temples of Samos, called upon by women with child,
worshipped at high Carthage, because thou wast brought from
heaven by the lyon, the rivers of the floud Inachus do
celebrate thee: and know that thou art the wife of the great
god, and the goddesse of goddesses; all the east part of the
world have thee in veneration, all the world calleth thee
Lucina: I pray thee to be my advocate in my tribulations,
deliver me from the great danger which pursueth me, and save
me that am weary with so long labours and sorrow, for I know
that it is thou that succorest and helpest such women as are
with child and in danger.  Then Juno hearing the prayers of
Psyches, appeared unto her in all her royalty, saying,
Certes Psyches I would gladly help thee, but I am ashamed to
do any thing contrary to the will of my daughter in law
Venus, whom alwaies I have loved as mine owne child,
moreover I shall incurre the danger of the law, intituled,
~De servo corrupto~, whereby I am forbidden to retaine any
servant fugitive, against the will of his Master.  Then
Psyches cast off likewise by Juno, as without all hope of
the recovery of her husband, reasoned with her selfe in this
sort: Now what comfort or remedy is left to my afflictions,
when as my prayers will nothing availe with the goddesses?
what shall I do? whither shall I go?  In what cave or
darknesse shall I hide my selfe, to avoid the furor of
Venus?  Why do I not take a good heart, and offer my selfe
with humilitie unto her, whose anger I have wrought?  What
do I know whether he (whom I seeke for) be in his mothers
house or no?  Thus being in doubt, poore Psyches prepared
her selfe to her owne danger, and devised how she might make
her orison and prayer unto Venus.  After that Venus was
weary with searching by Sea and Land for Psyches, shee
returned toward heaven, and commanded that one should
prepare her Chariot, which her husband Vulcanus gave unto
her by reason of marriage, so finely wrought that neither
gold nor silver could be compared to the brightnesse therof.
Four white pigeons guided the chariot with great diligence,
and when Venus was entred in, a number of sparrowes flew
chirping about, making signe of joy, and all other kind of
birds sang sweetly, foreshewing the comming of the great
goddesse: the clouds gave place, the heavens opened, and
received her joyfully, the birds that followed nothing
feared the Eagle, Hawkes, or other ravenous foules of the
aire.  Incontinently she went unto the royall Pallace of God
Jupiter, and with a proud and bold petition demanded the
service of Mercury, in certaine of her affaires, whereunto
Jupiter consented: then with much joy shee descended from
Heaven with Mercury, and gave him an earnest charge to put
in execution her words, saying: O my Brother, borne in
Arcadia, thou knowest well, that I (who am thy sister) did
never enterprise to doe any thing without thy presence, thou
knowest also how long I have sought for a girle and cannot
finde her, wherefore there resteth nothing else save that
thou with thy trumpet doe pronounce the reward to such as
take her: see thou put in execution my commandment, and
declare that whatsoever he be that retaineth her wittingly,
against my will shall not defend himselfe by any meane or
excusation: which when she had spoken, she delivered unto
him a libell, wherein was contained the name of Psyches, and
the residue of his publication, which done, she departed
away to her lodging.  By and by, Mercurius (not delaying the
matter) proclaimed throughout all the world that whatsoever
hee were that could tell any tydings of a Kings fugitive
Daughter, the servant of Venus, named Psyches, should bring
word to Mercury, and for reward of his paines, he should
receive seaven sweet kisses of Venus.  After that Mercury
had pronounced these things, every man was enflamed with
desire to search out Psyches.

This proclamation was the cause that put all doubt from
Psyches, who was scantly come in the sight of the house of
Venus, but one of her servants called Custome came out, who
espying Psyches, cried out with a loud voyce, saying, O
wicked harlot as thou art, now at length thou shalt know
that thou hast a mistresse above thee.  What, dost thou make
thy selfe ignorant, as though thou didst not understand what
travell wee have taken in searching for thee?  I am glad
that thou art come into my hands, thou art now in the gulfe
of hell, and shalt abide the paine and punishment of thy
great contumacy, and therewithall
she tooke her by the haire, and brought her in, before the
presence of the goddesse Venus.  When Venus spied her, shee
began to laugh, and as angry persons accustome to doe, she
shaked her head, and scratched her right eare saying, O
goddesse, goddesse, you are now come at length to visit your
husband that is in danger of death, by your meanes: bee you
assured, I will handle you like a daughter: where be my
maidens, Sorrow and Sadnesse?  To whom (when they came) she
delivered Psyches to be cruelly tormented; then they
fulfilled the commandement of their Mistresse, and after
they had piteously scourged her with rods and whips, they
presented her againe before Venus; then she began to laugh
againe, saying: Behold she thinketh (that by reason of her
great belly, which she hath gotten by playing the whore) to
move me to pitty, and to make me a grandmother to her
childe.  Am not I happy, that in the flourishing time of al
mine age, shall be called a grandmother, and the sonne of a
vile harlot shall bee accounted the nephew of Venus: Howbeit
I am a foole to tearm him by the name of my son, since as
the marriage was made betweene unequall persons, in the
field without witnesses, and not by the consent of parents,
wherefore the marriage is illegitimate, and the childe (that
shall be borne) a bastard; if we fortune to suffer thee to
live so long till thou be delivered.  When Venus had spoken
these words she leaped upon the face of poore Psyches, and
(tearing her apparell) tooke her by the haire, and dashed
her head upon the ground.  Then she tooke a great quantity
of wheat, of barly, poppy seede, peason, lintles, and
beanes, and mingled them altogether on a heape saying: Thou
evil favoured girle, thou seemest unable to get the grace of
thy lover, by no other meanes, but only by diligent and
painefull service, wherefore I will prove what thou canst
doe: see that thou separate all these graines one from
another disposing them orderly in their quantity, and let it
be done before night.  When she had appointed this taske
unto Psyches, she departed to a great banket that was
prepared that day.  But Psyches went not about to dissever
the graine, (as being a thing impossible to be brought to
passe by reason it lay so confusedly scattered) but being
astonyed at the cruell commandement of Venus, sate still and
said nothing.  Then the little pismire[*] the emote, taking
pitty of her great difficulty and labour, cursing the
cruellnesse of the daughter of Jupiter, and of so evill a
mother, ran about, hither and thither, and called to all her
friends, Yee quick sons of the ground, the mother of all
things, take mercy on this poore maid, espouse to Cupid, who
is in great danger of her person, I pray you helpe her with
all diligence.  Incontinently one came after another,
dissevering and dividing the graine, and after that they had
put each kinde of corne in order, they ranne away againe in
all haste.  When night came, Venus returned home from the
banket wel tippled with wine, smelling of balme, and crowned
with garlands of roses, who when shee had espied what
Psyches had done, gan say, This is not the labour of thy
hands, but rather of his that is amorous of thee: then shee
gave her a morsel of brown bread, and went to sleep.  In the
mean season, Cupid was closed fast in the surest chamber of
the house, partly because he should not hurt himself with
wanton dalliance, and partly because he should not speake
with his love: so these two lovers were divided one from
another.  When night was passed Venus called Psyches, and
said, Seest thou yonder Forest that extendeth out in length
with the river? there be great sheepe shining like gold, and
kept by no manner of person.  I command thee that thou go
thither and bring me home some of the wooll of their
fleeces.  Psyches arose willingly not to do her
commandement, but to throw her selfe headlong into the water
to end her sorrows.  Then a green reed inspired by divine
inspiration, with a gratious tune and melody gan say, O
Psyches I pray thee not to trouble or pollute my water by
the death of thee, and yet beware that thou goe not towards
the terrible sheepe of this coast, untill such time as the
heat of the sunne be past, for when the sunne is in his
force, then seeme they most dreadfull and furious, with
their sharpe hornes, their stony foreheads and their gaping
throats, wherewith they arme themselves to the destruction
of mankinde.  But untill they have refreshed themselves in
the river, thou maist hide thy selfe here by me, under this
great plaine tree, and as soone as their great fury is past,
thou maist goe among the thickets and bushes under the wood
side and gather the lockes their golden Fleeces, which thou
shalt finde hanging up on the briers.  Then spake the gentle
and benigne reed, shewing a mean to Psyches to save her
life, which she bore well in memory, and with all diligence
went and gathered up such lockes as shee found, and put them
in her apron, and carried them home to Venus.  Howbeit the
danger of this second labour did not please her, nor give
her sufficient witnesse of the good service of Psyches, but
with a sower resemblance of laughter, did say: Of a certaine
I know that this is not thy fact, but I will prove if that
thou bee of so stout, so good a courage, and singular
prudency as thou seemest to be.  Then Venus spake unto
Psyches againe saying: Seest thou the toppe of yonder great
Hill, from whence there runneth downe waters of blacke and
deadly colour, which nourisheth the floods of Stix, Cocytus?
I charge thee to goe thither, and bring me a vessell of that
water: wherewithall she gave her a bottle of Christall,
menacing and threatening her rigorously.  Then poor Psyches
went in all haste to the top of the mountaine, rather to end
her life, then [sic] to fetch any water, and when she was
come up to the ridge of the hill, she perceived that it was
impossible to bring it to passe: for she saw a great rocke
gushing out most horrible fountaines of waters, which ran
downe and fell by many stops and passages into the valley
beneath: on each side shee did see great Dragons, which were
stretching out their long and bloody Neckes, that did never
sleepe, but appointed to keepe the river there: the waters
seemed to themselves likewise saying, Away, away, what wilt
thou doe? flie, flie, or else thou wilt be slaine.  Then
Psyches (seeing the impossibility of this affaire) stood
still as though she were transformed into a stone, and
although she was present in body, yet was she absent in
spirit and sense, by reason of the great perill which she
saw, insomuch that she could not comfort her self with
weeping, such was the present danger that she was in.  But
the royall bird of great Jupiter, the Eagle remembring his
old service which he had done, when as by the pricke of
Cupid he brought up the boy Ganimedes, to the heavens, to be
made butler of Jupiter, and minding to shew the like service
in the person of the wife of Cupid, came from the high-house
of the Skies, and said unto Psyches, O simple woman without
all experience, doest thou thinke to get or dip up any drop
of this dreadfull water?  No, no, assure thy selfe thou art
never able to come nigh it, for the Gods themselves do
greatly feare at the sight thereof.  What, have you not
heard, that it is a custome among men to sweare by the
puissance of the Gods, and the Gods do sweare by the majesty
of the river Stix?  But give me thy bottle, and sodainly he
tooke it, and filled it with the water of the river, and
taking his flight through those cruell and horrible dragons,
brought it unto Psyches: who being very joyfull thereof,
presented it to Venus, who would not yet be appeased, but
menacing more and more said, What, thou seemest unto me a
very witch and enchauntresse, that bringest these things to
passe, howbeit thou shalt do nothing more.  Take this box
and to Hell to Proserpina, and desire her to send me a
little of her beauty, as much as will serve me the space of
one day, and say that such as I had is consumed away since
my sonne fell sicke, but returne againe quickly, for I must
dresse my selfe therewithall, and goe to the Theatre of the
Gods: then poore Psyches perceived the end of all fortune,
thinking verely that she should never returne, and not
without cause, when as she was compelled to go to the gulfe
and furies of hell. Wherefore without any further delay, she
went up to an high tower to throw her selfe downe headlong
(thinking that it was the next and readiest way to hell) but
the tower (as inspired) spake unto her saying, O poore
miser, why goest thou about to slay thy selfe?  Why dost
thou rashly yeeld unto thy last perill and danger? know thou
that if thy spirit be once separated from thy body, thou
shalt surely go to hell, but never to returne againe,
wherefore harken unto me; Lacedemon a Citie in Greece is not
farre hence: go thou thither and enquire for the hill
Tenarus, whereas thou shalt find a hold [sic] leading to
hell, even to the Pallace of Pluto, but take heede thou go
not with emptie hands to that place of darknesse: but carrie
two sops[*] sodden in the flour of barley and Honney in thy
hands, and two halfepence in thy mouth.  And when thou hast
passed a good part of that way, thou shalt see a lame Asse
carrying of wood, and a lame fellow driving him, who will
desire thee to give him up the sticks that fall downe, but
passe thou on and do nothing; by and by thou shalt come unto
a river of hell, whereas Charon is ferriman, who will first
have his fare paied him, before he will carry the soules
over the river in his boat, whereby you may see that avarice
raigneth amongst the dead, neither Charon nor Pluto will do
any thing for nought: for if it be a poore man that would
passe over and lacketh money, he shal be compelled to die in
his journey before they will shew him any reliefe, wherefore
deliver to carraine Charon one of the halfpence (which thou
bearest for thy passage) and let him receive it out of thy
mouth. And it shall come to passe as thou sittest in the
boat thou shalt see an old man swimming on the top of the
river, holding up his deadly hands, and desiring thee to
receive him into the barke[*], but have no regard to his
piteous cry: when thou art passed over the floud, thou shalt
espie old women spinning, who will desire thee to helpe
them, but beware thou do not consent unto them in any case,
for these and like baits and traps will Venus set to make
thee let fall one of thy sops, and thinke not that the
keeping of thy sops is a light matter, for if thou leese one
of them thou shalt be assured never to returne againe to
this world.  Then shalt thou see a great and marvailous
dogge, with three heads, barking continually at the soules
of such as enter in, but he can do them no other harme, he
lieth day and night before the gate of Proserpina, and
keepeth the house of Pluto with great diligence, to whom if
thou cast one of thy sops, thou maist have accesse to
Proserpina without all danger: shee will make thee good
cheere, and entertaine thee with delicate meate and drinke,
but sit thou upon the ground, and desire browne bread, and
then declare thy message unto her, and when thou hast
received such beauty as she giveth, in thy returne appease
the rage of the dogge with thy other sop, and give thy other
halfe penny to covetous Charon, and come the same way againe
into the world as thou wentest: but above all things have a
regard that thou looke not in the boxe, neither be not too
curious about the treasure of the divine beauty.  In this
manner the tower spake unto Psyches, and advertised her what
she should do: and immediately she tooke two halfe pence,
two sops, and all things necessary, and went to the
mountaine Tenarus to go towards hell.  After that Psyches
had passed by the lame Asse, paid her halfe pennie for
passage, neglected the old man in the river, denyed to helpe
the woman spinning, and filled the ravenous mouth of the
dogge with a sop, shee came to the chamber of Proserpina,
onely contented with course bread, declared her message, and
after she received a mysticall secret in a boxe, she
departed, and stopped the mouth of the dogge with the other
sop, and paied the boat-man the other halfe penny.  When
Psyches was returned from hell, to the light of the world,
shee was ravished with great desire, saying, Am not I a
foole, that knowing that I carrie heere the divine beauty,
will not take a little thereof to garnish my face, to please
my love withall?  And by and by shee opened the boxe where
she could perceive no beauty nor any thing else, save onely
an infernall and deadly sleepe, which immediately invaded
all her members as soone as the boxe was uncovered, in such
sort that shee fell downe upon the ground, and lay there as
a sleeping corps.

But Cupid being now healed of his wound and Maladie, not
able to endure the absence of Psyches, got him secretly out
at a window of the chamber where hee was enclosed, and
(receiving his wings,) tooke his flight towards his loving
wife, whom when he had found, hee wiped away the sleepe from
her face, and put it againe into the boxe, and awaked her
with the tip of one of his arrows, saying: O wretched
Caitife, behold thou wert well-nigh perished againe, with
the overmuch curiositie: well, goe thou, and do thy message
to my Mother, and in the meane season, I wil provide for all
things accordingly: wherewithall he tooke his flight into
the aire, and Psyches brought her present to Venus.

Cupid being more and more in love with Psyches, and fearing
the displeasure of his Mother, did pearce into the heavens,
and arrived before Jupiter to declare his cause: then
Jupiter after that hee had eftsoone embraced him, gan say in
this manner: O my well beloved sonne, although thou haste
not given due reverence and honour unto me as thou oughtest
to doe, but haste rather spoiled and wounded this my brest
(whereby the laws and order of the Elements and Planets be
disposed) with continuall assaults, of Terren luxury and
against all laws, and the discipline Julia, and the utility
of the publike weale, in transforming my divine beauty into
serpents, fire, savage beasts, birds, and into Bulles:
Howbeit remembring my modesty, and that I have nourished
thee with mine owne proper hands, I will doe and accomplish
all thy desire, so that thou canst beware of spitefull and
envious persons.  And if there be any excellent Maiden of
comely beauty in the world, remember yet the benefit which I
shall shew unto thee by recompence of her love towards me
againe.  When he had spoken these words he commanded Mercury
to call all the gods to counsell, and if any of the
celestiall powers did faile of appearance he would be
condemned in ten thousand pounds: which sentence was such a
terrour to all the goddesses, that the high Theatre was
replenished, and Jupiter began to speake in this sort: O yee
gods, registred in the bookes of the Muses, you all know
this young man Cupid whom I have nourished with mine owne
hands, whose raging flames of his first youth, I thought
best to bridle and restraine.  It sufficeth that hee is
defamed in every place for his adulterous living, wherefore
all occasion ought to bee taken away by meane of marriage:
he hath chosen a maiden that fancieth him well, and hath
bereaved her of her virginity, let him have her still, and
possesse her according to his owne pleasure: then he
returned to Venus, and said, And you my daughter, take you
no care, neither feare the dishonour of your progeny and
estate, neither have regard in that it is a mortall
marriage, for it seemeth unto me just, lawfull, and
legitimate by the law civill. Incontinently after, Jupiter
commanded Mercury to bring up Psyches, the spouse of Cupid,
into the Pallace of heaven.  And then he tooke a pot of
immortality, and said, Hold Psyches, and drinke, to the end
thou maist be immortall, and that Cupid may be thine
everlasting husband.  By and by the great banket and
marriage feast was sumptuously prepared, Cupid sate downe
with his deare spouse betweene his armes: Juno likewise with
Jupiter, and all the other gods in order, Ganimedes filled
the pot of Jupiter, and Bacchus served the rest.  Their
drinke was Nectar, the wine of the gods, Vulcanus prepared
supper, the howers decked up the house with roses and other
sweet smells, the graces threw about blame, the Muses sang
with sweet harmony, Apollo tuned pleasantly to the Harpe,
Venus danced finely: Satirus and Paniscus plaid on their
pipes; and thus Psyches was married to Cupid, and after she
was delivered of a child whom we call Pleasure.  This the
trifling old woman declared unto the captive maiden: but I
poore Asse, not standing farre of, was not a little sorry in
that I lacked pen and inke to write so worthy a tale.



THE TWENTY-THIRD CHAPTER

How Apuleius carried away the Gentlewoman, and how they were
taken againe by the theeves, and what a kind of death was
invented for them.


By and by the theeves came home laden with treasure, and
many of them which were of strongest courage (leaving behind
such as were lame and wounded, to heale and aire themselves)
said they would returne backe againe to fetch the rest of
their pillage, which they had hidden in a certaine cave, and
so they snatched up their dinner greedily, and brought us
forth into the way and beate us before them with staves.
About night (after that we had passed over many hilles and
dales) we came to a great cave, where they laded us with
mighty burthens, and would not suffer us to refresh our
selves any season but brought us againe in our way, and hied
so fast homeward, that what with their haste and their
cruell stripes, I fell downe upon a stone by the way side,
then they beat me pittifully in lifting me up, and hurt my
right thigh and my left hoofe, and one of them said, What
shall we do with this lame Ill favoured Asse, that is not
worth the meate he eats?  And other said, Since the time
that we had him first he never did any good, and I thinke he
came unto our house with evill lucke, for we have had great
wounds since and losse of our valiant captaines, and other
said, As soone as he hath brought home his burthen, I will
surely throw him out upon the mountaine to be a pray for
wild beasts: While these gentlemen reasoned together of my
death, we fortuned to come home, for the feare that I was
in, caused my feet to turne into wings: after that we were
discharged of our burthen, they went to their fellowes that
were wounded, and told them of our great tardity and
slownesse by the way, neither was I brought into small
anguish when I perceived my death prepared before my face:
Why standest thou still Lucius?  Why dost thou not looke for
thy death?  Knowst thou not that the theeves have ordained
to slay thee? seest thou not these sharpe and pointed flints
which shall bruise and teare thee in peeces, if by adventure
thou happen upon them?  Thy gentle Magitian hath not onely
given thee the shape and travell of an Asse, but also a
skinne so soft and tender as it were a swallow: why dost
thou not take courage and runne away to save thy selfe?  Art
thou afraid of the old woman more than halfe dead, whom with
a stripe of thy heele thou maist easily dispatch?  But
whither shall I fly?  What lodging shall I seek?  See my
Assy cogitation.  Who is he that passeth by the way and will
not take me up?  While I devised these things, I brake the
halter wherewith I was tyed and ran away with all my force,
howbeit I could not escape the kitish eyes of the old woman,
for shee ran after me, and with more audacity then becommeth
her kind age, caught me by the halter and thought to pull me
home: but I not forgetting the cruell purpose of the
theeves, was mooved with small pity, for I kicked her with
my hinder heeles to the ground and had welnigh slaine her,
who (although shee was throwne and hurled downe) yet she
held still the halter, and would not let me goe; then shee
cryed with a loud voyce and called for succour, but she
little prevayled, because there was no person that heard
her, save onely the captive gentlewoman, who hearing the
voice of the old woman, came out to see what the matter was,
and perceiving her hanging at the halter, tooke a good
courage and wrested it out of her hand, and (entreating me
with gentle words) got upon my backe.  Then I began to
runne, and shee gently kicked mee forward, whereof I was
nothing displeased, for I had as great a desire to escape as
shee: insomuch that I seemed to scowre away like a horse.
And when the Gentlewoman did speake, I would answere her
with my neighing, and oftentimes (under colour to rub my
backe) I would sweetly kisse her tender feet.  Then shee
fetching a sigh from the bottome of her heart, lifted up her
eyes to the heavens, saying: O soveraigne Gods, deliver mee
if it be your pleasure, from these present dangers: and thou
cruell fortune cease thy wrath, let the sorrow suffice thee
which I have already sustained.  And thou little Asse, that
art the occasion of my safety and liberty, if thou canst
once render me safe and sound to my parents, and to him that
so greatly desireth to have mee to be his wife, thou shalt
see what thankes I will give: with what honour I will reward
thee, and how I will use thee.  First I will bravely dresse
the haires of thy forehead, and then I will finely combe thy
maine, I will tye up thy rugged tayle trimly, I will decke
thee round about with golden trappes, in such sort that thou
shalt glitter like the starres of the skie, I will bring
thee daily in my apron the kirnels of nuts, and will pamper
thee up with delicates; I will set store by thee, as by one
that is the preserver of my life: Finally, thou shalt lack
no manner of thing.  Moreover amongst thy glorious fare, thy
great ease, and the blisse of thy life, thou shalt not be
destitute of dignity, for thou shalt be chronicled
perpetually in memory of my present fortune, and the
providence divine.  All the whole history shall be painted
upon the wall of our house, thou shalt be renowned
throughout all the world.  And it shall be registred in the
bookes of Doctours, that an Asse saved the life of a young
maiden that was captive amongst Theeves: Thou shalt be
numbred amongst the ancient miracles: wee beleeve that by
like example of truth Phryxus saved himselfe from drowning
upon the Ram, Arion escaped upon a Dolphin, and that Europa
was delivered by the Bull.  If Jupiter transformed himselfe
into a Bull, why may it not be that under the shape of this
Asse, is hidden the figure of a man, or some power divine?
While that the Virgin did thus sorrowfully unfold her
desires, we fortuned to come to a place where three wayes
did meet, and shee tooke me by the halter, and would have me
turne on the right hand to her fathers house: but I (knowing
that the theeves were gone that way to fetch the residue of
their pillage) resisted with my head as much as I might,
saying within my selfe: What wilt thou doe unhappy maiden?
Why wouldst thou goe so willingly to hell?  Why wilt thou
runne into destruction by meane of my feet?  Why dost thou
seek thine own harme, and mine likewise?  And while we
strived together whether way we might take, the theeves
returned, laiden with their pray, and perceived us a farre
off by the light of the Moon: and after they had known us,
one of them gan say, Whither goe you so hastely?  Be you not
afraid of spirits?  And you (you harlot) doe you not goe to
see your parents?  Come on, we will beare you company?  And
therewithall they tooke me by the halter, and drave me backe
againe, beating me cruelly with a great staffe (that they
had) full of knobs: then I returning againe to my ready
destruction, and remembering the griefe of my hoofe, began
to shake my head, and to waxe lame, but he that led me by
the halter said, What, dost thou stumble?  Canst thou not
goe?  These rotten old feet of thine ran well enough, but
they cannot walke: thou couldest mince it finely even now
with the gentlewoman, that thou seemedst to passe the horse
Pegasus in swiftnesse.  In saying of these words they beat
mee againe, that they broke a great staffe upon mee.  And
when we were come almost home, we saw the old woman hanging
upon a bow of a Cipresse tree; then one of them cut downe
the bowe whereon shee hanged, and cast her into the bottome
of a great ditch: after this they bound the maiden and fell
greedily to their victuals, which the miserable old woman
had prepared for them.  At which time they began to devise
with themselves of our death, and how they might be
revenged; divers was the opinions of this divers number: the
first said, that hee thought best the Mayd should be burned
alive: the second said she should be throwne out to wild
beasts: the third said, she should be hanged upon a gibbet:
the fourth said she should be flead alive: thus was the
death of a poore Maiden scanned betweene them foure.  But
one of the theeves after every man had declared his
judgement, did speake in this manner: It is not convenient
unto the oath of our company, to suffer you to waxe more
cruell than the quality of the offence doth merit, for I
would that shee should not be hanged nor burned, nor throwne
to beasts, nor dye any sodaine death, but by my council I
would have her punished according to her desert.  You know
well what you have determined already of this dull Asse,
that eateth more than he is worth, that faineth[*]
lamenesse, and that was the cause of the flying away of the
Maid: my mind is that he shall be slaine to morrow, and when
all the guts and entrailes of his body is taken out, let the
Maide be sowne into his belly, then let us lay them upon a
great stone against the broiling heate of the Sunne, so they
shall both sustaine all the punishments which you have
ordained: for first the Asse shall be slaine as you have
determined, and she shall have her members torne and gnawne
with wild beasts, when as she is bitten and rent with
wormes, shee shall endure the paine of the fire, when as the
broyling heat of the Sunne shall scortch and parch the belly
of the Asse, shee shall abide the gallows when the Dogs and
Vultures shall have the guts of her body hanging in their
ravenous mouthes.  I pray you number all the torments which
she shall suffer: First shee shall dwell within the paunch
of an Asse: secondly her nosethrilles shall receive a
certaine stinke of the beast: thirdly shee shall dye for
hunger: last of all, shee shall finde no meane to ridde her
selfe from her paines, for her hand [sic] shall be sowen up
within the skinne of the Asse: This being said, all the
Theeves consented, and when I (poore Asse) heard and
understood all their device, I did nothing else but lament
and bewayle my dead carkasse, which should be handled in
such sort on the next morrow.




THE SEVENTH BOOKE



THE TWENTY-FOURTH CHAPTER

How hee that was left behinde at Hippata did bring newes
concerning the robbery of Miloes house, came home and
declared to his Company, that all the fault was laid to one
Apuleius his charge.


As soone as night was past, and the cleare Chariot of the
Sunne had spred his bright beames on every coast, came one
of the company of the theeves, (for so his and their
greeting together did declare) who at the first entry into
the Cave (after hee had breathed himselfe, and was able to
speake) told these tydings unto his companions in this sort.
Sirs, as touching the house of Milo of Hippata, which we
forcibly entred and ransackt the last day, we may put away
all feare [,?] and doubt nothing at all.  For after that ye
by force of armes, had spoyled and taken away all things in
the house, and returned hither into our Cave, I (thrusting
my selfe amongst the presse of the people, and shewing my
selfe as though I were sad and sorrowfull for the mischance,
and devising what meanes might be wrought for the
apprehension of the theeves, to the intent I might learne
and see all that was done to make relation thereof unto you
as you willed me, insomuch that the whole fact at length by
manifest and evident proofes as also by the common opinion
and judgement of the people, was laid to one Lucius Apuleius
charge as manifest author of this common robbery, who a few
dayse before by false and forged letters and colored
honesty, fell so farre in favour with this Milo, that he
entertained him into his house, and received him as the
chiefe of his familiar friends, which Lucius after that he
had sojourned there a good space, and won the heart of
Miloes Maid, by fained love, did thoroughly learne the waies
and doores of all the house, and curiously viewed the cofers
and chests, wherein was laid the whole substance of Milo:
neither was there small cause given to judge him culpable,
since as the very same night that this robbery was done he
fled away, and could not be found in no place: and to the
intent hee might cleane escape, and better prevent such as
made hew and crie after him, he tooke his white horse and
galloped away, and after this, his servant was found in the
house, who (accused as accessary to the fellony and escape
of his Master) was committed to the common gaole, and the
next day following was cruelly scourged and tormented till
hee was welnigh dead, to the intent hee should confesse the
matter, but when they could wreast or learne no such thing
of him, yet sent they many persons after, towardes Lucius
Countrey to enquire him out, and so to take him prisoner.
As he declared these things, I did greatly lament with my
selfe, to thinke of mine old and pristine estate, and what
felicity I was sometimes in, in comparison to the misery
that I presently susteined, being changed into a miserable
Asse, then had I no small occasion to remember, how the old
and ancient Writers did affirme, that fortune was starke
blind without eies, because she alwaies bestoweth her riches
upon evil persons, and fooles, and chooseth or favoureth no
mortall person by judgement, but is alwaies conversent,
especially with much as if she could see, she should most
shunne, and forsake, yea and that which is more worse, she
sheweth such evill or contrary opinions in men, that the
wicked doe glory with the name of good, and contrary the
good and innocent be detracted and slandred as evill.
Furthermore I, who by her great cruelty, was turned into a
foure footed Asse, in most vile and abject manner: yea, and
whose estate seemed worthily to be lamented and pittied of
the most hard and stonie hearts, was accused of theft and
robbing of my deare host Milo, which villany might rather be
called parricide then theft, yet might not I defend mine
owne cause or denie the fact any way, by reason I could not
speake; howbeit least my conscience should seeme to accuse
me by reason of silence, and againe being enforced by
impatience I endevored to speake, and faine would have said,
Never did I that fact, and verely the first word, never, I
cried out once or twise, somewhat handsome, but the residue
I could in no wise pronounce, but still remaining in one
voice, cried, Never, never, never.  Howbeit I settled my
hanging lips as round as I could to speake the residue: but
why should I further complaine of the crueltie of my
fortune, since as I was not much ashamed, by reason that my
servant and my horse, was likewise accused with me of the
robbery.

While I pondered with my selfe all these things, a great
care [came] to my remembrance, touching the death, which the
theeves provised for me and the maiden, and still as I
looked downe to my belly, I thought of my poore gentlewoman
that should be closed within me.  And the theefe which a
little before had brought the false newes against me, drew
out of the skirt of his coate, a thousand crowns, which he
had rifled from such as hee met, and brought it into the
common treasury.  Then hee carefully enquired how the
residue of his companions did.  To whom it was declared that
the most valiant was murdred and slaine in divers manners,
whereupon he perswaded them to remit all their affaires a
certaine season, and to seeke for other fellowes to be in
their places, that by the exercise of new lads, the terror
of their martiall band might be reduced to the old number,
assuring them that such as were unwilling, might be
compelled by menaces and threatnings, and such as were
willing might be incouraged forward with reward.  Further he
said, that there were some, which (seeing the profite which
they had) would forsake their base and servile estate, and
rather bee contented to live like tyrants amongst them.
Moreover he declared, that for his part he had spoken with a
certaine tall man, a valiant companion, but of young age,
stout in body, and couragious in fight, whom he had fully
perswaded to exercise his idle hands, dull with
slothfullnesse, to his greater profit, and (while he might)
to receive the blisse of better Fortune, and not to hold out
his sturdy arme to begge for a penny, but rather to take as
much gold and silver as hee would.  Then every one
consented, that hee that seemed so worthy to be their
companion, should be one of their company, and that they
would search for others to make up the residue of the
number, whereupon he went out, and by and by (returning
againe) brought in a tall young man (as he promised) to whom
none of the residue might bee compared, for hee was higher
than they by the head, and of more bignesse in body, his
beard began to burgen, but he was poorely apparelled,
insomuch that you might see all his belly naked.  As soone
as he was entred in he said, God speed yee souldiers of Mars
and my faithfull companions, I pray you make me one of your
band, and I will ensure you, that you shall have a man of
singular courage and lively audacity: for I had rather
receive stripes upon my backe, then money or gold in my
hands.  And as for death (which every man doth feare) I
passe nothing at all, yet thinke you not that I am an abject
or a begger, neither judge you my virtue and prowesse by
ragged clothes, for I have beene a Captaine of a great
company, and subdued all the countrey of Macedonia.  I am
the renowned theefe Hemes the Thracian, whose name all
countreys and nations do so greatly feare: I am the sonne of
Theron the noble theefe, nourished with humane bloud,
entertained amongst the stoutest; finally I am inheritour
and follower of all my fathers virtues, yet I lost in a
short time all my company and all my riches, by one assault,
which I made upon a Factor of the Prince, which sometime had
beene Captaine of two hundred men, for fortune was cleane
against me: harken and I will tell you the whole matter.

There was a certaine man in the court of the Emperour, which
had many offices, and in great favour, who at last by the
envy of divers persons, was banished away and compelled to
forsake the court: his wife Platina, a woman of rare faith
and singular shamefastnes having borne ten children to her
husband, despised all worldly Pompe and delicacy, and
determined to follow her husband, and to be partaker of his
perils and danger, wherefore shee cut off her haire,
disguised her selfe like a man, and tooke with her all her
treasure, passing through the hands of the souldiers, and
the naked swords without any feare, whereby she endured many
miseries, and was partaker of much affliction, to save the
life of her husband, such was her love which she bare unto
him.  And when they had escaped many perillous dangers, as
well by land as by sea, they went together towards Zacynthe,
to continue there according as fortune had appointed.  But
when they were arived on the sea coast of Actium (where we
in our returne from Macedony were roving about) when night
came, they returned into a house not far distant from their
ship, where they lay all night.  Then we entred in and tooke
away all their substance, but verely we were in great
danger: for the good matron perceiving us incontinently by
the noise of the gate, went into the chamber, and called up
every man by his name, and likewise the neighbors that
dwelled round about, insomuch that by reason of the feare
that every one was in, we hardly escaped away, but this most
holy woman, faithfull and true to her husband (as the truth
must be declared) returned to C<ae>sar, desiring his aid and
puissance, and demanding vengeance of the injury done to her
husband, who granted all her desire: then went my company to
wracke, insomuch that every man was slaine, so great was the
authority and word of the Prince.  Howbeit, when all my band
was lost, and taken by search of the Emperours army, I onely
stole away and delivered my selfe from the violence of the
souldiers, for I clothed my selfe in a womans attire, and
mounted upon an Asse, that carryed barly sheafes, and
(passing through the middle of them all) I escaped away,
because every one deemed that I was a woman by reason I
lacked a beard.  Howbeit I left not off for all this, nor
did degenerate from the glory of my father, or mine own
vertue, but freshly comming from the bloody skirmish, and
disguised like a woman, I invaded townes and castles alone
to get some pray.  And therewithall he pulled out two
thousand crownes, which he had under his coate, saying: Hold
here the dowry which I present unto you, hold eke my person,
which you shall alwayes find trusty and faithfull, if you
willingly receive me: and I will ensure you that in so
doing, within short space I will make and turne this stony
house of yours into gold.  Then by and by every one
consented to make him their Captaine, and so they gave him
better garments, and threw away his old.  When they had
changed his attire, hee imbraced them one after another,
then placed they him in the highest roome of the table, and
drunk unto him in token of good lucke.



THE TWENTY-FIFTH CHAPTER

How the death of the Asse, and the Gentlewoman was stayed.


After supper they began to talke, and declare unto him the
going away of the Gentlewoman, and how I bare her upon my
backe, and what death was ordained for us two.  Then he
desired to see her, whereupon the gentlewoman was brought
forth fast bound, whom as soone as he beheld, he turned
himselfe wringing his nose, and blamed them saying: I am not
so much a beast, or so rash a fellow to drive you quite from
your purpose, but my conscience will not suffer me to
conceale any thing that toucheth your profit, since I am as
carefull for you, howbeit if my counsell doe displease you,
you may at liberty proceed in your enterprise.  I doubt not
but all theeves, and such as have a good judgement, will
preferre their owne lucre and gain above all things in the
world, and above their vengeance, which purchaseth damage to
divers persons.  Therefore if you put this virgin in the
Asses belly, you shall but execute your indignation against
her, without all manner of profit: But I would advise you to
carry the virgin to some towne and to sell her: and such a
brave girle as she is, may be sold for a great quantity of
money.  And I my selfe know certaine bawdy Merchants,
amongst whom peradventure one will give us summes of gold
for her.  This is my opinion touching this affaire: but
advise you what you intend to do, for you rule me in this
case.  In this manner the good theefe pleaded and defended
our cause, being a good Patron to the silly virgin, and to
me poore Asse.  But they staied hereupon a good space, with
long deliberation, which made my heart (God wot) and spirit
greatly to quaile.  Howbeit in the end they consented to his
opinion, and by and by the Maiden was unloosed of her bonds,
who seeing the young man, and hearing the name of brothels
and bawdy Merchants, began to wax joyfull, and smiled within
herself.  Then began I to deeme evill of the generation of
women, when as I saw the Maiden (who was appointed to be
married to a young Gentleman, and who so greatly desired the
same) was now delighted with the talke of a wicked brothel
house, and other things dishonest.  In this sort the consent
and manners of women depended in the judgement of an Asse.



THE TWENTY-SIXTH CHAPTER

How all the Theeves were brought asleepe by their new
companion.


Then the young man spake againe, saying, Masters, why goe
wee not about to make our prayers unto Mars, touching this
selling of the Maiden, and to seeke for other companions.
But as farre as I see, here is no other manner of beast to
make sacrifice withall, nor wine sufficient to drinke.  Let
me have (quoth hee) tenne more with me, and wee will goe to
the next castle, to provide for meat and other things
necessary.  So he and tenne more with him, went their way:
In the meane season, the residue made a great fire and an
Alter with green turffes in the honour of Mars.  By and by
after they came againe, bringing with them bottles of wine,
and a great number of beasts, amongst which there was a big
Ram Goat, fat, old, and hairy, which they killed and offered
unto Mars.  Then supper was prepared sumptuously, and the
new companion said unto the other, You ought to accompt me
not onely your Captaine in robbery and fight, but also in
pleasure and jolity, whereupon by and by with pleasant
cheere he prepared meat, and trimming up the house he set
all things in order, and brought the pottage and dainty
dishes to the Table: but above all he plyed them wel with
great pots and jugs of wine.  Sometimes (seeming to fetch
somewhat) hee would goe to the Maiden and give her pieces of
meate, which he privily tooke away, and would drinke unto
her, which she willingly tooke in good part.  Moreover, hee
kissed her twice or thrice, whereof she was well pleased,
but I (not well contented thereat) thought in my selfe: O
wretched Maid, thou hast forgotten thy marriage, and doest
esteeme this stranger and bloudy theefe above thy husband
which thy Parents ordained for thee, now perceive I well
thou hast no remorse of conscience, but more delight to
tarry and play the harlot heere amongst so many swords.
What? knowest thou not how the other theeves if they knew
thy demeanour. would put thee to death as they had once
appointed, and so worke my destruction likewise?  Well now I
perceive thou hast a pleasure in the dammage and hurt of
other.  While I did angerly devise with my selfe all these
things, I perceived by certaine signes and tokens (not
ignorant to so wise an Asse) that he was not the notable
theefe Hemus, but rather Lepolemus her husband, for after
much communication he beganne to speake more franckly, not
fearing at all my presence, and said, Be of good cheere my
sweet friend Charites, for thou shalt have by and by all
these thy enemies captive unto thee.  Then hee filled wine
to the theeves more and more, and never ceased, till as they
were all overcome with abundance of meat and drinke, when as
hee himselfe abstained and bridled his owne appetite.  And
truely I did greatly suspect, least hee had mingled in their
cups some deadly poyson, for incontinently they all fell
downe asleepe on the ground one after an other, and lay as
though they had beene dead.



THE TWENTY-SEVENTH CHAPTER

How the Gentlewoman was carried home by her husband while
the theeves were asleepe, and how much Apuleius was made of.


When the theeves were all asleepe by their great and
immoderate drinking, the young man Lepolemus took the Maiden
and set her upon my backe, and went homeward.  When we were
come home, all the people of the Citie, especially her
Parents, friends, and family, came forth running forth
joyfully, and all the children and Maidens of the towne
gathered together to see this virgin in great triumph
sitting upon an Asse.  Then I (willing to shew as much joy
as I might, as present occasion served) I set and pricked up
my long eares, I ratled my nosethrils, and cryed stoutly,
nay rather I made the towne to ring againe with my shrilling
sound: when wee were come to her fathers house, shee was
received into a chamber honourably: as for me, Lepolemus
(accompanied with a great number of Citizens) did presently
after drive me backe againe with other horses to the cave of
the theeves, where wee found them all asleepe lying on the
ground as wee left them; then they first brought out all the
gold, and silver, and other treasure of the house, and laded
us withall, which when they had done, they threw many of the
theeves downe into the bottome of deepe ditches, and the
residue they slew with their swords: after this wee returned
home glad and merry of so great a vengeance upon them, and
the riches which wee carried was commited to the publike
treasurie.  This done, the Maid was married to Lepolemus,
according to the law, whom by so much travell he had
valiantly recovered: then my good Mistresse looked about for
me, and asking for me commanded the very same day of her
marriage, that my manger should be filled with barly, and
that I should have hay and oats aboundantly, and she would
call me her little Camell.  But how greatly did I curse
Fotis, in that shee transformed me into an Asse, and not
into a dogge, because I saw the dogges had filled their
paunches with the reliks and bones of so worthy a supper.
The next day this new wedded woman (my Mistresse) did
greatly commend me before her Parents and husband, for the
kindnesse which I had shewed unto her, and never leaved off,
untill such time as they promised to reward me with great
honours.  Then they called together all their friends, and
thus it was concluded: one said, that I should be closed in
a stable and never worke, but continually to be fedde and
fatted with fine and chosen barly and beanes, and good
littour, howbeit another prevailed, who wishing my liberty,
perswaded them that it was better for me to runne in the
fields amongst the lascivious horses and mares, whereby I
might engender some mules for my Mistresse: then he that had
in charge to keepe the horse, was called for, and I was
delivered unto him with great care, insomuch that I was
right pleasant and joyous, because I hoped that I should
carry no more fardels[*] nor burthens, moreover I thought that
when I should thus be at liberty, in the spring time of the
yeere when the meddows and fields were greene, I should find
some roses in some place, whereby I was fully perswaded that
if my Master and Mistresse did render me so many thanks and
honours being an Asse, they would much more reward me being
turned into a man: but when hee (to whom the charge of me
was so straightly committed) had brought me a good way
distant from the City, I perceived no delicate meates nor no
liberty which I should have, but by and by his covetous wife
and most cursed queane made me a mill Asse, and (beating me
with a cudgill full of knots) would wring bread for her
selfe and her husband out of my skinne.  Yet she was not
contented to weary me and make me a drudge with carriage and
grinding of her owne corne, but I was hired of her
neighbours to beare their sackes likewise, howbeit shee
would not give me such meate as I should have, nor
sufficient to sustaine my life withall, for the barly which
I ground for mine owne dinner she would sell to the
Inhabitants by.  And after that I had laboured all day, she
would set before me at night a little filthy branne, nothing
cleane but full of stones.  Being in this calamity, yet
fortune worked me other torments, for on a day I was let
loose into the fields to pasture, by commandement of my
master.  O how I leaped for joy, how I neighed to see my
selfe in such liberty, but especially because I beheld so
many Mares, which I thought should be my wives and
concubines; and I espied out and chose the fairest before I
came nigh them; but this my joyfull hope turned into utter
destruction, for incontinently all the stone Horses which
were well fedde and made strong by ease of pasture, and
thereby much more puissant than a poore Asse, were jealous
over me, and (having no regard to the law and order of God
Jupiter) ranne fiercely and terribly against me; one lifted
up his forefeete and kicked me spitefully, another turned
himselfe, and with his hinder heeles spurned me cruelly, the
third threatning with a malicious neighing, bit me on every
side.  In like sort have I read in Histories how the King of
Thrace would throw his miserable ghests to be torne in
peeces and devoured of his wild Horses, so niggish was that
Tyrant of his provender, that he nourished them with the
bodies of men.



THE TWENTY-EIGHTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was made a common Asse to fetch home wood, and
how he was handled by a boy.


After that I was thus handled by horses, I was brought home
againe to the Mill, but behold fortune (insatiable of my
torments) had devised a new paine for me.  I was appointed
to bring home wood every day from a high hill, and who
should drive me thither and home again, but a boy that was
the veriest hangman in all the world, who was not contented
with the great travell that I tooke in climbing up the hill,
neither pleased when he saw my hoofe torne and worne away by
sharpe flintes, but he beat me cruelly with a great staffe,
insomuch that the marrow of my bones did ake for woe, for he
would strike me continually on the right hip, and still in
one place, whereby he tore my skinne and made of my wide
sore a great hole or trench, or rather a window to looke out
at, and although it runne down of blood, yet would he not
cease beating me in that place: moreover he laded me with
such great burthens of wood that you would thinke they had
been rather prepared for Elephants then for me, and when he
perceived that my wood hanged more on one side then another,
(when he should rather take away the heavy sides, and so
ease me, or else lift them up to make them equall with the
other) he laid great stones upon the weaker side to remedy
the matter, yet could he not be contented with this my great
misery and immoderate burthens of wood, but when hee came to
any river (as there were many by the way) he to save his
feete from water, would leape upon my loynes likewise, which
was no small loade upon loade.  And if by adversity I had
fell downe in any dirty or myrie place, when he should have
of pulled me out either with ropes, or lifted me up by the
taile, he would never helpe me, but lay me on from top to
toe with a mighty staffe, till he had left no haire on all
my body, no not so much as on mine eares, whereby I was
compelled by force of blowes to stand up.  The same hangman
boy did invent another torment for me: he gathered a great
many sharp thornes as sharp as needles and bound them
together like a fagot, and typed them at my tayle to pricke
me, then was I afflicted on every side, for if I had
indeavoured to runne away, the thornes would have pricked
me, if I had stood still, the boy would have beaten mee to
make me runne, whereby I perceived that the hangman did
devise nothing else save onely to kill me by some manner of
meanes, and he would sweare and threaten to do me worse
harme, and because hee might have some occasion to execute
his malicious minde, upon a day (after that I had
endeavoured too much by my patience) I lifted up my heeles
and spurned him welfavouredly.  Then he invented this
vengeance against me, after that he had well laded me with
shrubs and rubble, and trussed it round upon my backe, hee
brought me out into the way: then hee stole a burning coale
out of a mans house in the next village, and put it into the
middle of the rubbell; the rubbell and shrubs being very
dry, did fall on a light fire and burned me on every side.
I could see no remedy how I might save my selfe, and in such
a case it was not best for me to stand still: [;?] but
fortune was favourable towards me, perhaps to reserve me for
more dangers, for I espyed a great hole full of raine water
that fell the day before, thither I ranne hastily and
plunged my selfe therein, in such sort that I quenched the
fire, and was delivered from that present perill, but the
vile boy to excuse himselfe declared to all the neighbours
and shepheards about, that I willingly tumbled in the fire
as I passed through the village.  Then he laughed upon me
saying: How long shall we nourish and keepe this fiery Asse
in vaine?



THE TWENTY-NINTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was accused of Lechery by the boy.


A few dayes after, the boy invented another mischiefe: For
when he had sold all the wood which I bare, to certaine men
dwelling in a village by, he lead me homeward unladen: And
then he cryed that he was not able to rule me, and that hee
would not drive mee any longer to the hill for wood, saying:
Doe you not see this slow and dulle Asse, who besides all
the mischiefes that he hath wrought already, inventeth daily
more and more.  For he espyeth any woman passing by the way,
whether she be old or marryed, or if it be a young child,
hee will throw his burthen from his backe, and runneth
fiercely upon them.  And after that he hath thrown them
downe, he will stride over them to commit his buggery and
beastly pleasure, moreover hee will faine as though hee
would kisse them, but he will bite their faces cruelly,
which thing may worke us great displeasure, or rather to be
imputed unto us as a crime: and even now when he espyed an
honest maiden passing by the high way, he by and by threw
downe his wood and runne after her: And when he had throwne
her down upon the ground, he would have ravished her before
the face of all the world, had it not beene that by reason
of her crying out, she was succored and pulled from his
heeles and so delivered.  And if it had so come to passe
that this fearefull maid had beene slaine by him, what
danger had we beene in?  By these and like lies, he provoked
the shepheards earnestly against me, which grieved me (God
wot) full sore that said nothing.  Then one of the
shepheards said: Why doe we not make sacrifice of this
common adulterous Asse?  My sonne (quoth he) let us kill him
and throw his guts to the dogges, and reserve his flesh for
the labourers supper.  Then let us cast dust upon his
skinne, and carry it home to our master, and say that the
Woolves have devoured him.  The boy that was my evill
accuser made no delay, but prepared himselfe to execute the
sentence of the shepheard, rejoycing at my present danger,
but O how greatly did I then repent that the stripe which I
gave him with my heele had not killed him.  Then he drew out
his sword and made it sharp upon the whetstone to slay me,
but another of the shepheards gan say, Verely it is a great
offence to kill so faire an Asse, and so (by accusation of
luxurie and lascivious wantonnesse) to lack so necessarie
his labour and service, where otherwise if ye would cut off
his stones, he might not onely be deprived of his courage
but also become gentle, that we should be delivered from all
feare and danger.  Moreover he would be thereby more fat and
better in flesh.  For I know my selfe as well many Asses, as
also most fierce horses, that by reason of their wantonnesse
have been most mad and terrible, but (when they were gelded
and cut) they have become gentle and tame, and tractable to
all use.  Wherefore I would counsell you to geld him.  And
if you consent thereto, I will by and by, when I go to the
next market fetch mine irons and tooles for the purpose: And
I ensure you after that I have gelded and cut off his
stones, I will deliver him unto you as tame as a lambe.
When I did perceive that I was delivered from death, and
reserved to be gelded, I was greatly sorrie, insomuch that I
thought all the hinder part of my body and my stones did ake
for woe, but I sought about to kill my selfe by some manner
of meanes, to the end if I should die, I would die with
unperished members.



THE THIRTIETH CHAPTER

How the boy that lead Apuleius to the field, was slaine in
the wood.


While I devised with my selfe in what manner I might end my
life, the roperipe boy on the next morrow lead me to the
same hill againe, and tied me to a bow of a great Oke, and
in the meane season he tooke his hatchet and cut wood to
load me withall, but behold there crept out of a cave by, a
marvailous great Beare, holding out his mighty head, whom
when I saw I was sodainly stroken in feare, and (throwing
all the strength of my body into my hinder heeles) lifted up
my strained head and brake the halter, wherewith I was tied.
Then there was no need to bid me runne away, for I scoured
not onely on foot, but tumbled over the stones and rocks
with my body till I came into the open fields, to the intent
I would escape from the terrible Beare, but especially from
the boy that was worse than the Beare.  Then a certaine
stranger that passed by the way (espying me alone as a stray
Asse) tooke me up and roade upon my backe, beating me with a
staffe (which he bare in his hand) through a wide and
unknowne lane, whereat I was nothing displeased, but
willingly went forward to avoid the cruell paine of gelding,
which the shepherds had ordained for me, but as for the
stripes I was nothing moved, since I was accustomed to be
beaten so every day.  But evill fortune would not suffer me
to continue in so good an estate long: For the shepheards
looking about for a Cow that they had lost (after they had
sought in divers places) fortuned to come upon us unawares,
who when they espied and knew me, they would have taken me
by the halter, but he that rode upon my backe resisted them
saying, O Lord masters, what intend you to do?  Will you rob
me?  Then said the shepheards, What? thinkest thou we handle
thee otherwise than thou deservest, which has stollen away
our Asse?  Why dost thou not rather tell us where thou hast
hidden the boy whom thou hast slaine?  And therewithall they
pulled him downe to the ground, beating him with their
fists, and spurning him with their feete.  Then he answered
unto them saying, that he saw no manner of boy, but onely
found the Asse loose and straying abroad, which he tooke up
to the intent to have some reward for the finding of him and
to restore him againe to his Master.  And I would to God
(quoth he) that this Asse (which verely was never seene)
could speake as a man to give witnesse of mine innocency:
Then would you be ashamed of the injury which you have done
to me.  Thus (reasoning for himselfe) he nothing prevailed,
for they tied the halter about my necke, and (maugre his
face) pulled me quite away, and lead me backe againe through
the woods of the hill to the place where the boy accustomed
to resort.  And after they could find him in no place, at
length they found his body rent and torne in peeces, and his
members dispersed in sundry places, which I well knew was
done by the cruell Beare: and verely I would have told it if
I might have spoken, but (which I could onely do) I greatly
rejoiced at his death, although it came too late.  Then they
gathered together the peeces of his body and buried them.
By and by they laid the fault to my new Master, that tooke
me up by the way, and (bringing him home fast bound to their
houses) purposed on the next morrow to accuse him of
murther, and to lead him before the Justices to have
judgement of death.



THE THIRTY-FIRST CHAPTER

How Apuleius was cruelly beaten by the Mother of the boy
that was slaine.


In the meane season, while the Parents of the boy did lament
and weepe for the death of their sonne, the shepheard
(according to his promise) came with his instruments and
tooles to geld me.  Then one of them said, Tush we little
esteeme the mischiefe he did yesterday, but now we are
contented that to morrow his stones shall not onely be cut
off, but also his head.  So was it brought to passe, that my
death was delayed till the next morrow, but what thanks did
I give to that good boy, who (being so slaine) was the cause
of my pardon for one short day.  Howbeit I had no time then
to rest my selfe, for the Mother of the boy, weeping and
lamenting for his death, attired in mourning vesture, tare
her haire and beat her breast, and came presently into the
stable, saying, Is it reason that this carelesse beast
should do nothing all day but hold his head in the manger,
filling and belling his guts with meat without compassion of
my great miserie, or remembrance of the pittifull death of
his slaine Master: and contemning my age and infirmity,
thinketh that I am unable to revenge his mischiefs, moreover
he would perswade me, that he were not culpable.  Indeed, it
is a convenient thing to looke and plead for safety, when as
the conscience doeth confesse the offence, as theeves and
malefactors accustome to do.  But O good Lord, thou cursed
beast, if thou couldest utter the contents of thine owne
mind, whom (though it were the veriest foole in all the
world) mightest thou perswade that this murther was voide or
without thy fault, when as it lay in thy power, either to
keepe off the theeves with thy heeles, or else to bite and
teare them with thy teeth?  Couldest not thou (that so often
in his life time diddest spurne and kicke him) defend him
now at the point of death by the like manner?  Yet at least,
thou shouldest have taken him upon thy backe, and so brought
him from the cruell hands of the theeves: where contrary
thou runnest away alone, forsaking thy good Master, thy
pastor and conductor.  Knowest thou not, that such as denie
their wholsome help and aid to them which lie in danger of
death, ought to be punished, because they have offended
against good manners, and the law naturall? but I promise
thee, thou shalt not long rejoyce at my harmes, thou shalt
feele the smart of thy homicide and offence, I will see what
I can doe.  And therewithall she unclosed her apron, and
bound all my feete together, to the end I might not help my
selfe, then she tooke a great barre, which accustomed to bar
the stable doore, and never ceased beating me till she was
so weary that the bar fell out of her hands, whereupon she
(complaining of the soone faintnesse of her armes) ran to
her fire and brought a firebrand and thrust it under my
taile, burning me continually, till such time as (having but
one remedy) I all arrayed her face and eies with my durty
dunge, whereby (what with the stinke thereof, and what with
the filthinesse that fell in her eies) she was welnigh
blinded: so I enforced the queane to leave off, otherwise I
had died as Meleager did by the sticke, which his mad mother
Althea cast into the fire.




THE EIGHTH BOOKE



THE THIRTY-SECOND CHAPTER

How a young man came and declared the miserable death of
Lepolemus and his wife Charites.


About midnight came a young man, which seemed to be one of
the family of the good woman Charites, who sometimes endured
so much misery and calamity with mee amongst the theeves,
who after that he had taken a stoole, and sate downe before
the fireside, in the company of the servants, began to
declare many terrible things that had happened unto the
house of Charites, saying: O yee house-keepers, shepheards
and cowheards, you shall understand that wee have lost our
good mistris Charites miserably and by evill adventure: and
to the end you may learne and know all the whole matter, I
purpose to tell you the circumstances of every point,
whereby such as are more learned then I (to whom fortune
hath ministred more copious stile) may painte it out in
paper in forme of an History.  There was a young Gentleman
dwelling in the next City, borne of good parentage, valiant
in prowesse, and riche in substance, but very much given and
adicted to whorehunting, and continuall revelling.  Whereby
he fell in company with Theeves, and had his hand ready to
the effusion of humane blood; his name was Thrasillus.  The
matter was this according to the report of every man.  Hee
demanded Charites in marriage, who although he were a man
more comely than the residue that wooed her, and also had
riches abundantly, yet because he was of evill fame, and a
man of wicked manners and conversation, he had the repulse
and was put off by Charites, and so she married with
Lepolemus.  Howbeit this young man secretly loved her, yet
moved somewhat at her refusall, hee busily searched some
meanes to worke his damnable intent.  And (having found
occasion and opportunity to accomplish his purpose, which he
had long time concealed) brought to passe, that the same day
that Charites was delivered by the subtill meane and valiant
audacity of her husband, from the puissance of the Theeves,
he mingled himselfe among the assembly. faining that he was
glad of the new marriage, and comming home againe of the
maiden, whereby (by reason that he came of so noble parents)
he was received and entertained into the house as one of
their chiefe and principall friends: Howbeit under cloake of
a faithfull welwiller, hee dissimuled his mischievous mind
and intent: in continuance of time by much familiarity and
often conversation and banketting together, he fell more and
more in favour, like as we see it fortuneth to Lovers, who
first doe little delight themselves in love: till as by
continuall acquaintance they kisse and imbrace each other.
Thrasillus perceiving that it was a hard matter to breake
his minde secretly to Charites, whereby he was wholly barred
from the accomplishment of his luxurious appetite, and on
the other side perceiving that the love of her and her
husband was so strongly lincked together, that the bond
betweene them might in no wise be dissevered, moreover, it
was a thing impossible to ravish her, although he had
consented thereto, yet hee still provoked forward by
vehement lust, when as hee saw himselfe unable to bring his
purpose to passe.  Howbeit at length the thing which seemed
so hard and difficill, thorough [sic] hope of his fortified
love, did now appeare easie and facill: but marke I pray you
diligently to what end the furious force of his inordinate
desire came.  On a day Lepolemus went to the chase with
Thrasillus, to hunt for Goates, for his wife Charites
desired him earnestly to meddle with no other beasts, which
were of more fierce and wilde nature.  When they were come
within the chase to a great thicket fortressed about with
bryers and thornes, they compassed round with their Dogs and
beset every place with nets: by and by warning was given to
let loose.  The Dogs rushed in with such a cry, that all the
Forrest rang againe with the noyse, but behold there leaped
out no Goat, nor Deere, nor gentle Hinde, but an horrible
and dangerous wild Boare, hard and thicke skinned, bristeled
terribly with thornes, foming at the mouth, grinding his
teeth, and looking direfully with fiery eyes.  The Dogs that
first set upon him, he tare and rent with his tuskes, and
then he ranne quite through the nets, and escaped away.
When wee saw the fury of this beast, wee were greatly
stricken with feare, and because wee never accustomed to
chase with such dreadfull Boares, and further because we
were unarmed and without weapons, we got and hid our selves
under bushes and trees.  Then Thrasillus having found
opportunity to worke his treason, said to Lepolemus: What
stand we here amazed?  Why show we ourselves like
dastards[*]?  Why leese we so worthy a prey with our
feminine hearts?  Let us mount upon our Horses, and pursue
him incontinently: take you a hunting staffe, and I will
take a chasing speare.  By and by they leaped upon their
Horses, and followed the beast.  But hee returning against
them with furious force, pryed with his eyes, on whom he
might first assayle with his tuskes: Lepolemus strooke the
beast first in the back with his hunting staffe.  Thrasillus
faining to ayde and assist him, came behind, and cut off the
hinder legs of Lepolemus Horse, in such sort that hee fell
downe to the ground with his master: and sodainly the Boare
came upon Lepolemus and furiously tare and rent him with his
teeth.  Howbeit, Thrasillus was not sufficed to see him thus
wounded, but when he desired his friendly help, he thrust
Lepolemus through the right thigh with his speare, the more
because he thought the wound of the speare would be taken
for a wound of the Boars teeth, then he killed the beast
likewise.  And when he was thus miserably slaine, every one
of us came out of our holes, and went towards our slaine
master.  But although that Thrasillus was joyfull of the
death of Lepolemus, whom he did greatly hate, yet he cloked
the matter with a sorrowfull countenance, he fained a
dolorous face, he often imbraced the body which himselfe
slew, he played all the parts of a mourning person, saving
there fell no teares from his eyes.  Thus hee resembled us
in each point, who verily and not without occasion had cause
to lament for our master, laying all the blame of this
homicide unto the Boare.  Incontinently after the sorrowfull
newes of the death of Lepolemus, came to the eares of all
the family, but especially to Charites, who after she had
heard such pitifull tydings, as a mad and raging woman, ran
up and down the streets, crying and howling lamentably.  All
the Citizens gathered together, and such as they met bare
them company running towards the chasse.  When they came to
the slaine body of Lepolemus, Charites threw her selfe upon
him weeping and lamenting grievously for his death, in such
sort, that she would have presently ended her life, upon the
corps of her slaine husband, whom shee so entirely loved,
had it not beene that her parents and friends did comfort
her, and pulled her away.  The body was taken up, and in the
funerall pompe brought to the City and buried.  In the meane
season Thrasillus fained much sorrow for the death of
Lepolemus, but in his heart he was well pleased and joyfull.
And to counterfeit the matter, he would come to Charites and
say: O what a losse have I had of my friend, my fellow, my
companion Lepolemus?  O Charites comfort your selfe, pacifie
your dolour, refraine your weeping, beat not your breasts:
and with such other and like words and divers examples he
endeavoured to suppresse her great sorrow, but he spake not
this for any other intent but to win the heart of the woman,
and to nourish his odious love with filthy delight.  Howbeit
Charites after the buriall of her husband sought the meanes
to follow him, and (not sustaining the sorrows wherein she
was wrapped) got her secretly into a chamber and purposed to
finish her life there with dolour and tribulation.  But
Thrasillus was very importunate[*], and at length brought to
pass, that at the intercession of the Parents and friends of
Charites, she somewhat refreshed her fallen members with
refection of meate and baine.  Howbeit, she did it more at
the commandement of her Parents, then for any thing else:
for she could in no wise be merry, nor receive any comfort,
but tormented her selfe day and night before the Image of
her husband which she made like unto Bacchus, and rendred
unto him divine honours and services.  In the meane season
Thrasillus not able to refrain any longer, before Charites
had asswaged her dolor, before her troubled mind had
pacified her fury, even in the middle of all her griefes,
while she tare her haire and rent her garments, demanded her
in marriage, and so without shame, he detected[*] the secrets
and unspeakable deceipts of his heart.  But Charites
detested and abhorred his demand, and as she had beene
stroken with some clap of thunder, with some storme, or with
the lightning of Jupiter, she presently fell downe to the
ground all amazed.  Howbeit when her spirits were revived
and that she returned to her selfe, perceiving that
Thrasillus was so importunate, she demanded respite to
deliberate and to take advise on the matter.  In the meane
season, the shape of Lepolemus that was slaine so miserably,
appeared to Charites saying, O my sweet wife (which no other
person can say but I) I pray thee for the love that is
betweene us two, if there be any memorie of me in thy heart,
or remembrance of my pittifull death, marry with any other
person, so that thou marry not with the traitour Thrasillus,
have no conference with him, eate not with him, lie not with
him, avoid the bloudie hand of mine enemie, couple not thy
selfe with a paricide, for those wounds (the bloud whereof
thy teares did wash away) were not the wounds of the teeth
of the Boare, but the speare of Thrasillus, that deprived me
from thee.  Thus spake Lepolemus, unto his loving wife, and
declared the residue of the damnable fact.  Then Charites,
awaking from the sleepe, began to renew her dolour, to teare
her garments, and to beate her armes with her comely hands,
howbeit she revealed the vision which she saw to no manner
of person, but dissimuling that she knew no part of the
mischiefe, devised with her selfe how she might be revenged
on the traitor, and finish her owne life to end and knit up
all sorrow.  Incontinently came Thrasillus, the detestable
demander of sodain pleasure, and wearied the closed eares of
Charites with talke of marriage, but she gently refused his
communication, and coloring the matter, with passing craft
in the middest of his earnest desires gan say, Thrasillus
you shall understand that yet the face of your brother and
my husband, is alwayes before mine eies, I smell yet the
Cinamon sent of his pretious body, I yet feele Lepolemus
alive in my heart: wherefore you shall do well if you grant
to me miserable woman, necessarie time to bewaile his death,
that after the residue of a few moneths, the whole yeare may
be expired, which thing toucheth as well my shame as your
wholsome profit, lest peradventure by your speed and quicke
marriage we should justly raise and provoke the spirit of my
husband to worke our destruction.  Howbeit, Thrasillus was
not contented with this promise, but more and more came upon
her: Insomuch, that she was enforced to speake to him in
this manner: My friend Thrasillus, if thou be so contented
untill the whole yeare be complete and finished, behold here
is my bodie, take thy pleasure, but in such sort and so
secret that no servant of the house may perceive it.  Then
Thrasillus trusting to the false promises of the woman. and
preferring his inordinate pleasure above all things in the
world, was joyfull in his heart and looked for night, when
as he might have his purpose.  But come thou about midnight
(quoth Charites) disguised without companie, and doe but
hisse at my chamber doore, and my nourse shall attend and
let thee in.  This counsell pleased Thrasillus marveilously,
who (suspecting no harme) did alwaies look for night, and
the houre assigned by Charites.  The time was scarce come,
when as (according to her commandement) he disguised
himselfe, and went straight to the chamber, where he found
the nourse attending for him, who (by the appointment of her
Mistresse) fed him with flattering talke, and gave him
mingled and doled drinke in a cup, excusing the absence of
her Mistresse Charites, by reason that she attended on her
Father being sick, untill such time, that with sweet talke
and operation of the wine, he fell in a sound sleepe: Now
when he lay prostrate on the ground readie to all adventure,
Charites (being called for) came in, and with manly courage
and bold force stood over the sleeping murderer, saying:
Behold the faithfull companion of my husband, behold this
valiant hunter; behold me deere spouse, this is the hand
which shed my bloud, this is the heart which hath devised so
many subtill meanes to worke my destruction, these be the
eies whom I have ill pleased, behold now they foreshew their
owne destinie: sleepe carelesse, dreame that thou art in the
hands of the mercifull, for I will not hurt thee with thy
sword or any other weapon: God forbid that I should slay
thee as thou slewest my husband, but thy eies shall fail
thee, and thou shalt see no more, then that whereof thou
dreamest: Thou shalt thinke the death of thine enemie more
sweet then thy life: Thou shalt see no light, thou shalt
lacke the aide of a leader, thou shalt not have me as thou
hopest, thou shalt have no delight of my marriage, thou
shalt not die, and yet living thou shalt have no joy, but
wander betweene light and darknesse as an unsure Image: thou
shalt seeke for the hand that pricked out thine eies, yet
thou shalt not know of whom thou shouldest complaine: I will
make sacrifice with the bloud of thine eies upon the grave
of my husband.  But what gainest thou through my delay?
Perhaps thou dreamest that thou embracest me in thy armes:
leave off the darknesse of sleepe and awake thou to receive
a penall deprivation of thy sight, lift up thy face, regard
thy vengeance and evill fortune, reckon thy miserie; so
pleaseth thine eies to a chast woman, and thou shalt have
blindnesse to thy companion, and an everlasting remorse of
thy miserable conscience.  When she had spoken these words,
she tooke a great needle from her head and pricked out both
his eies: which done, she by and by caught the naked sword
which her husband Lepolemus accustomed to weare, and ranne
throughout all the Citie like a mad woman towards the
Sepulchre of her husband.  Then all we of the house, with
all the Citizens, ranne incontinently after her to take the
sword out of her hand, but she clasping about the tombe of
Lepolemus, kept us off with her naked weapon, and when she
perceived that every one of us wept and lamented, she spake
in this sort: I pray you my friends weepe not, nor lament
for me, for I have revenged the death of my husband, I have
punished deservedly the wicked breaker of our marriage; now
it is time to seeke out my sweet Lepolemus, and presently
with this sword to finish my life.  And therewithall after
she had made relation of the whole matter, declared the
vision which she saw and told by what meane she deceived
Thrasillus, thrusting her sword under her right brest, and
wallowing in her owne bloud, at length with manly courage
yeelded up the Ghost.  Then immediately the friends of
miserable Charites did bury her body within the same
Sepulchre.  Thrasillus hearing all the matter, and knowing
not by what meanes he might end his life, for he thought his
sword was not sufficient to revenge so great a crime, at
length went to the same Sepulchre, and cryed with a lowd
voice, saying: O yee dead spirites whom I have so highly and
greatly offended, vouchsafe to receive me, behold I make
sacrifice unto you with my whole body: which said, hee
closed the Sepulchre, purposing to famish himselfe, and to
finish his life there in sorrow.  These things the young man
with pitifull sighes and teares, declared unto the Cowheards
and Shepheards, which caused them all to weepe: but they
fearing to become subject unto new masters, prepared
themselves to depart away.



THE THIRTY-THIRD CHAPTER

How Apuleius was lead away by the Horsekeeper: and what
danger he was in.


By and by the Horsekeeper, to whom the charge of me was
committed, brought forth all his substance, and laded me and
other Horses withall, and so departed thence: we bare women,
children, pullets, sparrowes, kiddes, whelpes, and other
things which were not able to keepe pace with us, and that
which I bare upon my back, although it was a mighty burthen,
yet seemed it very light, because I was driven away from him
that most terribly had appointed to kill me.  When we had
passed over a great mountaine full of trees, and were come
againe into the open fields, behold we approached nigh to a
faire and rich Castell, where it was told unto us that we
were not able to passe in our journey that night, by reason
of the great number of terrible Wolves which were in the
Country about, so fierce and cruell that they put every man
in feare, in such sort that they would invade and set upon
such which passed by like theeves, and devoure both them and
their beasts.  Moreover, we were advertised that there lay
in the way where we should passe, many dead bodies eaten and
torne with wolves.  Wherefore we were willed to stay there
all night, and on the next morning, to goe close and round
together, whereby we might passe and escape all dangers.
But (notwithstanding this good counsell) our caitife drivers
were so covetous to goe forward, and so fearefull of
pursuite, that they never stayed till the morning: But being
welnigh midnight, they made us trudge in our way apace.
Then I fearing the great danger which might happen, ran
amongst the middle of the other Horses, to the end I might
defend and save my poore buttocks from the Wolves, whereat
every man much marvelled to see, that I scowred away swifter
then the other Horses.  But such was my agility, not to get
me any prayse, but rather for feare: at that time I
remembered with my selfe, that the valiant Horse Pegasus did
fly in the ayre more to avoyd the danger of dreadful
Chimera, then for any thing else.  The shepheards which
drave us before them were well armed like warriours: one had
a speare, another had a sheepehooke, some had darts, some
clubbes, some gathered up great stones, some held up their
sharp Javelings, and some feared away the Woolves with light
firebrands.  Finally wee lacked nothing to make up an Army,
but onely Drummes and Trumpets.  But when we had passed
these dangers, not without small feare, wee fortuned to fall
into worse, for the Woolves came not upon us, either because
of the great multitude of our company, or else because [of]
our firebrands, or peradventure they were gone to some other
place, for wee could see none, but the Inhabitants of the
next villages (supposing that wee were Theeves by reason of
the great multitude) for the defence of their owne
substance, and for the feare that they were in, set great
and mighty masties[*] upon us, which they had kept and
nourished for the safety of their houses, who compassing us
round about leaped on every side, tearing us with their
teeth, in such sort that they pulled many of us to the
ground: verily it was a pittifull sight to see so many Dogs,
some following such as flyed, some invading such as stood
still, some tearing those which lay prostrate, but generally
there were none which escaped cleare: Behold upon this
another danger ensued, the Inhabitants of the Towne stood in
their garrets and windowes, throwing great stones upon our
heads, that wee could not tell whether it were best for us
to avoyd the gaping mouthes of the Dogges at hand or the
perill of the stones afarre, amongst whome there was one
that hurled a great flint upon a woman, which sate upon my
backe, who cryed out pitiously, desiring her husband to
helpe her.  Then he (comming to succour and ayd his wife)
beganne to speake in this sort: Alas masters, what mean you
to trouble us poore labouring men so cruelly?  What meane
you to revenge your selves upon us, that doe you no harme?
What thinke you to gaine by us?  You dwell not in Caves or
Dennes: you are no people barbarous, that you should delight
in effusion of humane blood.  At these words the tempest of
stones did cease, and the storme of the Dogges vanished
away.  Then one (standing on the toppe of a great Cypresse
tree) spake unto us saying: Thinke you not masters that we
doe this to the intent to rifle or take away any of your
goods, but for the safeguard of our selves and family: now a
Gods name you may depart away.  So we went forward, some
wounded with stones, some bitten with Dogs, but generally
there was none which escaped free.



THE THIRTY-FOURTH CHAPTER

How the shepheards determined to abide in a certaine wood to
cure their wounds.


When we had gone a good part of our way, we came to a
certaine wood invironed with great trees and compassed about
with pleasant meddowes, whereas the Shepheards appointed to
continue a certaine space to cure their wounds and sores;
then they sate downe on the ground to refresh their weary
minds, and afterwards they sought for medicines, to heale
their bodies: some washed away their blood with the water of
the running River: some stopped their wounds with Spunges
and cloutes, in this manner every one provided for his owne
safety.  In the meane season wee perceived an old man, who
seemed to be a Shepheard, by reason of the Goates and Sheep
that fed round about him.  Then one of our company demanded
whether he had any milke, butter, or cheese to sell.  To
whom he made answere saying: Doe you looke for any meate or
drinke, or any other refection here?  Know you not in what
place you be?

And therewithall he tooke his sheepe and drave them away as
fast as he might possible.  This answere made our shepheards
greatly to feare, that they thought of nothing else, but to
enquire what Country they were in: Howbeit they saw no
manner of person of whom they might demand.  At length as
they were thus in doubt, they perceived another old man with
a staffe in his hand very weary with travell, who
approaching nigh to our company, began to weepe and
complaine saying: Alas masters I pray you succour me
miserable caitife, and restore my nephew to me againe, that
by following a sparrow that flew before him, is fallen into
a ditch hereby, and verily I think he is in danger of death.
As for me, I am not able to helpe him out by reason of mine
old age, but you that are so valiant and lusty may easily
helpe me herein, and deliver me my boy, my heire and guide
of my life.  These words made us all to pity him.  And then
the youngest and stoutest of our company, who alone escaped
best the late skirmish of the Dogges and stones, rose up and
demanded in what ditch the boy was fallen: Mary (quod he)
yonder, and pointed with his finger, and brought him to a
great thicket of bushes and thornes where they both entred
in.  In the meane season, after we cured our wounds, we
tooke up our packs, purposing to depart away.  And because
we would not goe away without the young man our fellow: The
shepheards whistled and called for him, but when he gave no
answer, they sent one out of their company to seeke him out,
who after a while returned againe with a pale face and
sorrowfull newes, saying that he saw a terrible Dragon
eating and devouring their companion: and as for the old
man, hee could see him in no place.  When they heard this,
(remembring likewise the words of the first old man that
shaked his head, and drave away his sheep) they ran away
beating us before them, to fly from this desart and
pestilent Country.



THE THIRTY-FIFTH CHAPTER

How a woman killed her selfe and her child, because her
husband haunted harlots.


After that we had passed a great part of our journey, we
came to a village where we lay all night, but harken, and I
will tell you what mischiefe happened there: you shall
understand there was a servant to whom his Master had
committed the whole government of his house, and was Master
of the lodging where we lay: this servant had married a
Maiden of the same house, howbeit he was greatly in love
with a harlot of the towne, and accustomed to resort unto
her, wherewith his wife was so highly displeased and became
so jealous, that she gathered together all her husbands
substance, with his tales and books of account, and threw
them into a light fire: she was not contented with this, but
she tooke a corde and bound her child which she had by her
husband, about her middle and cast her selfe headlong into a
deepe pit.  The Master taking in evill part the death of
these twaine, tooke his servant which was the cause of this
murther by his luxurie, and first after that he had put off
all his apparell, he annointed his body with honey, and then
bound him sure to a fig-tree, where in a rotten stocke a
great number of Pismares had builded their neasts, the
Pismares after they had felt the sweetnesse of the honey
came upon his body, and by little and little (in continuance
of time) devoured all his flesh, in such sort, that there
remained on the tree but his bare bones: this was declared
unto us by the inhabitants of the village there, who greatly
sorrowed for the death of this servant: then we avoiding
likewise from this dreadfull lodging, incontinently departed
away.



THE THIRTY-SIXTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was cheapned by divers persons, and how they
looked in his mouth to know his age.


After this we came to a faire Citie very populous, where our
shepheards determined to continue, by reason that it seemed
a place where they might live unknowne, far from such as
should pursue them, and because it was a countrey very
plentifull of corne and other victuals, where when we had
remained the space of three dayes, and that I poore Asse and
the other horses were fed and kept in the stable to the
intent we might seeme more saleable, we were brought out at
length to the market, and by and by a crier sounded with his
horne to notifie that we were to be sold: all my companion
horses were bought up by a Gentleman, but as for me I stood
still forsaken of all men.  And when many buiers came by and
looked in my mouth to know mine age, I was so weary with
opening my jawes that at length (unable to endure any
longer) when one came with a stinking paire of hands and
grated my gummes with his filthy fingers, I bit them cleane
off, which thing caused the standers by to forsake me as
being a fierce and cruell beast: the crier when he had
gotten a hoarse voice with crying, and saw that no man would
buy me, began to mocke me saying, To what end stand we here
with this wilde Asse, this feeble beast, this slow jade with
worne hooves, good for nothing but to make sives with his
skin?  Why do we not give him to some body for he earneth
not his hay?  In this manner he made all the standers by to
laugh exceedingly, but my evill fortune which was ever so
cruell against me, whom I by travell of so many countreys
could in no wise escape, did more and more envie me, with
invention of new meanes to afflict my poore body in giving
me a new Master as spitefull as the rest.  There was an old
man somewhat bald, with long and gray haire, one of the
number of those that go from door to door, throughout all
the villages, bearing the Image of the goddesse Syria, and
playing with Cimbals to get the almes of good and charitable
folks, this old man came hastely towards the cryer, and
demanded where I was bred: Marry (quoth he) in Cappadocia:
Then he enquired what age I was of, the cryer answered as a
Mathematician, which disposed to me my Planets, that I was
five yeares old, and willed the old man to looke in my
mouth: For I would not willingly (quoth he) incur the
penalty of the law Cornelia, in selling a free Citizen for a
servile slave, buy a Gods name this faire beast to ride home
on, and about in the countrey: But this curious buier did
never stint[*] to question of my qualities, and at length he
demanded whether I were gentle or no: Gentle (quoth the
crier) as gentle as a Lambe, tractable to all use, he will
never bite, he will never kicke, but you would rather thinke
that under the shape of an Asse there were some well advised
man, which verely you may easily conject, for if you would
thrust your nose in his taile you shall perceive how patient
he is: Thus the cryer mocked the old man, but he perceiving
his taunts and jests, waxed very angry saying, Away doting
cryer, I pray the omnipotent and omniparent goddesse Syria,
Saint Sabod, Bellona, with her mother Idea, and Venus, with
Adonis, to strike out both thine eies, that with taunting
mocks hast scoffed me in this sort: Dost thou thinke that I
will put a goddesse upon the backe of any fierce beast.
whereby her divine Image should be throwne downe on the
ground, and so I poore miser should be compelled (tearing my
haire) to looke for some Physition to helpe her?  When I
heard him speake thus, I thought with my selfe sodainly to
leap upon him like mad Asse, to the intent he should not buy
me, but incontinently there came another Marchant that
prevented my thought, and offered 17 Pence for me, then my
Master was glad and received the money, and delivered me to
my new Master who was called Phelibus, and he carried his
new servant home, and before he came to his house, he called
out his daughters saying, Behold my daughters, what a gentle
servant I have brought for you: then they were marvailous
glad, and comming out pratling and shouting for joy, thought
verely that he had brought home a fit and conveniable
servant for their purpose, but when they perceived that it
was an Asse, they began to provoke him, saying that he had
not bought a servant for his Maidens, but rather an Asse for
himselfe.  Howbeit (quoth they) keepe him not wholly for
your owne riding, but let us likewise have him at our
commandement.  Therewithall they led me into the stable, and
tied me to the manger: there was a certaine yong man with a
mighty body, wel skilled in playing on instruments before
the gods to get money, who (as soone as he had espied me)
entertained me verie well, for he filled my racke and
maunger full of meat, and spake merrily, saying, O master
Asse, you are very welcome, now you shall take my office in
hand, you are come to supply my roome, and to ease me of my
miserable labour: but I pray God thou maist long live and
please my Master well, to the end thou maist continually
deliver me from so great paine.  When I heard these words I
did prognosticate my miserie to come.

The day following I saw there a great number of persons
apparelled in divers colours, having painted faces, mitres
on their heads, vestiments coloured like saffron, Surplesses
of silke, and on their feet yellow shooes, who attired the
goddesse in a robe of Purple, and put her upon my backe.
Then they went forth with their armes naked to their
shoulders, bearing with them great swords and mightie axes,
and dancing like mad persons.  After that we had passed many
small villages, we fortuned to come to one Britunis house,
where at our first entrie they began to hurle themselves
hither and thither, as though they were mad.  They made a
thousand gestures with their feete and their hands, they
would bite themselves, finally, every one tooke his weapon
and wounded his armes in divers places.

Amongst whom there was one more mad then the rest, that fet[*]
many deepe sighes from the bottome of his heart, as though
he hae [sic] beene ravished in spirite, or replenished with
divine power.  And after that, he somewhat returning to
himselfe, invented and forged a great lye, saying, that he
had displeased the divine majesty of the goddesse, by doing
of some thing which was not convenable to the order of their
holy religion, wherefore he would doe vengeance of himselfe:
and therewithall he tooke a whip, and scourged his owne
body, that the bloud issued out abundantly, which thing
caused me greatly to feare, to see such wounds and effusion
of bloud, least the same goddesse desiring so much the bloud
of men, should like wise desire the bloud of an Asse.  After
they were weary with hurling and beating themselves, they
sate downe, and behold, the inhabitants came in, and offered
gold, silver, vessels of wine, milke, cheese, flower, wheate
and other things: amongst whom there was one, that brought
barly to the Asse that carried the goddesse, but the greedie
whoresons thrust all into their sacke, which they brought
for the purpose and put it upon my backe, to the end I might
serve for two purposes, that is to say, for the barne by
reason of my corne, and for the Temple by reason of the
goddesse.  In this sort, they went from place to place,
robbing all the Countrey over.  At length they came to a
certaine Castle where under colour of divination, they
brought to passe that they obtained a fat sheepe of a poore
husbandman for the goddesse supper and to make sacrifice
withall.  After that the banket was prepared, they washed
their bodies, and brought in a tall young man of the
village, to sup with them, who had scarce tasted a few
pottage, when hee began to discover their beastly customes
and inordinate desire of luxury.  For the compassed him
round about, sitting at the table, and abused the young man,
contrary to all nature and reason.  When I beheld this
horrible fact, I could not but attempt to utter my mind and
say, O masters, but I could pronounce no more but the first
letter O, which I roared out so valiantly, that the young
men of the towne seeing for a straie Asse, that they had
lost the same night, and hearing my voice, whereby they
judged that I had beene theirs, entred into the house
unawares, and found these persons committing their vilde
abhomination, which when they saw, they declared to all the
inhabitants by, their unnatural villany, mocking and
laughing at this the pure and cleane chastity of their
religion.  In the meane season, Phelibus and his company,
(by reason of the bruit which was dispersed throughout all
the region there of their beastly wickednesse) put all their
trumpery upon my backe, and departed away about midnight.
When we had passed a great part of our journey, before the
rising of the Sun, we came into a wild desart, where they
conspired together to slay me.  For after they had taken the
goddesse from my backe and set her gingerly upon the ground,
they likewise tooke off my harnesse, and bound me surely to
an Oake, beating me with their whip, in such sort that all
my body was mortified.  Amongst whom there was one that
threatened to cut off my legs with his hatchet, because by
my noyse I diffamed his chastity, but the other regarding
more their owne profit than my utility, thought best to
spare my life, because I might carry home the goddesse.  So
they laded me againe, driving me before them with their
naked swords, till they came to a noble City: where the
principall Patrone bearing high reverence unto the goddesse,
came in great devotion before us with Tympany, Cymbals, and
other instruments, and received her, and all our company
with much sacrifice and veneration.  But there I remember, I
thought my selfe in most danger, for there was one that
brought to the Master of the house, a side of a fat Bucke
for a present, which being hanged behind the kitchin doore,
nor far from the ground, was cleane eaten up by a gray
hound, that came in.  The Cooke when he saw the Venison
devoured, lamented and wept pitifully.  And because supper
time approached nigh, when as he should be reproved of too
much negligence, he tooke a halter to hang himselfe: but his
wife perceiving whereabout he went, ran incontinently to
him, and taking the halter in both her hands, stopped him of
his purpose, saying, O husband, are you out of your wits?
pray husband follow my counsel, cary this strange Asse out
into some secret place and kill him, which done, cut off one
of his sides, and sawce it well like the side of the Bucke,
and set it before your Master.  Then the Cooke hearing the
counsell of his wife, was well pleased to slay me to save
himselfe: and so he went to the whetstone, to sharpe his
tooles accordingly.




THE NINTH BOOKE



THE THIRTY-SEVENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius saved himselfe from the Cooke, breaking his
halter, and of other things that happened.


In this manner the traiterous Cooke prepared himselfe to
slay me: and when he was ready with his knives to doe his
feat, I devised with my selfe how I might escape the present
perill, and I did not long delay: for incontinently I brake
the halter wherewith I was tied, and flinging my heeles
hither and thither to save my selfe, at length I ran hastily
into a Parlour, where the Master of the house was feasting
with the Priests of the goddesse Syria, and disquieted all
the company, throwing downe their meats and drinks from the
table.  The Master of the house dismayed at my great
disorder, commanded one of his servants to take me up, and
locke me in some strong place, to the end I might disturb
them no more.  But I little regarded my imprisonment,
considering that I was happily delivered from the hands of
the traiterous Cooke.  Howbeit fortune, or the fatall
disposition of the divine providence, which neither can be
avoided by wise counsell, neither yet by any wholesome
remedie, invented a new torment, for by and by a young Ladde
came running into the Parlour all trembling, and declared to
the Master of the house, that there was a madde Dog running
about in the Streets, which had done much harme, for he had
bitten many gray hounds and Horses in the Inne by: And he
spared neither man nor beast.  For there was one Mitilius a
Mulettour, Epheseus, a Cooke, Hyppanius a chamberlaine, and
Appolonius a Physition, who (thinking to chase away the
madde Dogge) were cruelly wounded by him, insomuch that many
Horses and other beasts infected with the venyme of his
poysonous teeth became madde likewise.  Which thing caused
them all at the table greatly to feare, and thinking that I
had beene bitten in like sort, came out with speares, Clubs,
and Pitchforks purposing to slay me, and I had undoubtedly
beene slaine, had I not by and by crept into the Chamber,
where my Master intended to lodge all night.  Then they
closed and locked fast the doores about me, and kept the
chamber round, till such time as they thought that the
pestilent rage of madnesse had killed me.  When I was thus
shutte in the chamber alone, I laid me downe upon the bed to
sleepe, considering it was long time past, since I lay and
tooke my rest as a man doth.  When morning was come, and
that I was well reposed, I rose up lustily.  In the meane
season, they which were appointed to watch about the chamber
all night, reasoned with themselves in this sort, Verely
(quoth one) I think that this rude Asse be dead.  So think I
(quoth another) for the outragious poyson of madness hath
killed him, but being thus in divers opinions of a poore
Ass, they looked through a crevis, and espied me standing
still, sober and quiet in the middle of the chamber; then
they opened the doores, and came towards me, to prove
whether I were gentle or no.  Amongst whom there was one,
which in my opinion, was sent from Heaven to save my life,
that willed the other to set a bason of faire water before
me, and thereby they would know whether I were mad or no,
for if I did drinke without feare as I accustomed to do, it
was a signe that I was whole, and in mine Assie wits, where
contrary if I did flie and abhorre the tast of the water, it
was evident proofe of my madness, which thing he said that
he had read in ancient and credible books, whereupon they
tooke a bason of cleere water, and presented it before me:
but I as soone as I perceived the wholesome water of my
life, ran incontinently, thrusting my head into the bason,
drank as though I had beene greatly athirst; then they
stroked me with their hands, and bowed mine eares, and tooke
me by the halter, to prove my patience, but I taking each
thing in good part, disproved their mad presumption, by my
meeke and gentle behaviour: when I was thus delivered from
this double dagger, the next day I was laded againe with the
goddesse Siria, and other trumpery, and was brought into the
way with Trumpets and Cymbals to beg in the villages which
we passed by according to our custome.  And after that we
had gone through a few towns and Castles, we fortuned to
come to a certaine village, which was builded (as the
inhabitants there affirme) upon the foundation of a famous
ancient Citie.  And after that we had turned into the next
Inne, we heard of a prettie jest committed in the towne
there, which I would that you should know likewise.



THE THIRTY-EIGHTH CHAPTER

Of the deceipt of a Woman which made her husband Cuckold.


There was a man dwelling in the towne very poore, that had
nothing but that which he got by the labour and travell of
his hands: his wife was a faire young woman, but very
lascivious, and given to the appetite and desire of the
flesh.  It fortuned on a day, that while this poore man was
gone betimes in the morning to the field about his
businesse, according as he accustomed to doe, his wives
lover secretly came into his house to have his pleasure with
her.  And so it chanced that during the time that shee and
he were basking together, her husband suspecting no such
matter, returned home praising the chast continency of his
wife, in that hee found his doores fast closed, wherefore as
his custome was, he whistled to declare his comming.  Then
his crafty wife ready with shifts, caught her lover and
covered him under a great tub standing in a corner, and
therewithall she opened the doore, blaming her husband in
this sort: Commest thou home every day with empty hands, and
bringest nothing to maintaine our house? thou has no regard
for our profit, neither providest for any meate of drinke,
whereas I poore wretch doe nothing day and night but occupie
my selfe with spinning, and yet my travell will scarce find
the Candels which we spend.  O how much more happy is my
neighbour Daphne, that eateth and drinketh at her pleasure,
and passeth the time with her amorous lovers according to
her desire.  What is the matter (quoth her husband) though
our Master hath made holiday at the fields, yet thinke not
but I have made provision for our supper; doest thou not see
this tub that keepeth a place here in our house in vaine,
and doth us no service?  Behold I have sold it to a good
fellow (that is here present) for five pence, wherefore I
pray thee lend me thy hand, that I may deliver him the tub.
His wife (having invented a present shift) laughed on her
husband, saying: What marchant I pray you have you brought
home hither, to fetch away my tub for five pence, for which
I poore woman that sit all day alone in my house have beene
proferred so often seaven: her husband being well apayed[*] of
her words demanded what he was that had bought the tub:
Looke (quoth she) he is gone under, to see where it be sound
or no: then her lover which was under the tub, began to
stirre and rustle himselfe, and because his words might
agree to the words of the woman, he sayd: Dame will you have
me tell the truth, this tub is rotten and crackt as me
seemeth on every side.  And then turning to her husband
sayd: I pray you honest man light a Candle, that I may make
cleane the tub within, to see if it be for my purpose or no,
for I doe not mind to cast away my money wilfully: he by and
by (being made a very Oxe) lighted a candle, saying, O pray
you good brother put not your selfe to so much paine, let me
make the tub cleane and ready for you.  Whereupon he put off
his coate, and crept under the tub to rub away the filth
from the sides.  In the meane season this minion lover cast
his wife on the bottome of the tub and had his pleasure with
her over his head, and as he was in the middest of his
pastime, hee turned his head on this side and that side,
finding fault with this and with that, till as they had both
ended their businesse, when as he delivered seaven pence for
the tub, and caused the good man himselfe to carry it on his
backe againe to his Inne.



THE THIRTY-NINTH CHAPTER

How the Priests of the goddesse Siria were taken and put in
prison, and how Apuleius was sold to a Baker.


After that we had tarried there a few dayes at the cost and
charges of the whole Village, and had gotten much mony by
our divination and prognostication of things to come: The
priests of the goddesse Siria invented a new meanes to picke
mens purses, for they had certaine lofts, whereon were
written: ~Coniuncti terram proscindunt boves ut in futurum
l<oe>ta germinent sata:~ that is to say: The Oxen tied and
yoked together, doe till the ground to the intent it may
bring forth his increase: and by these kind of lottes they
deceive many of the simple sort, for if one had demanded
whether he should have a good wife or no, they would say
that his lot did testify the same, that he should be tyed
and yoked to a good woman and have increase of his children.
If one demanded whether he should buy lands and possession,
they said that he should have much ground that should yeeld
his increase.  If one demanded whether he should have a good
and prosperous voyage, they said he should have a good
successe, and it should be for the increase of his profit.
If one demanded whether hee should vanquish his enemies, and
prevaile in pursuite of theeves, they said that this enemy
should be tyed and yoked to him: and his pursuits after
theeves should be prosperous.  Thus by the telling of
fortunes, they gathered a great quantity of money, but when
they were weary with giving of answers, they drave me away
before them next night, through a lane which was more
dangerous and stony then the way which we went the night
before, for on the one side were quagmires and foggy
marshes, on the other side were falling trenches and
ditches, whereby my legges failed me, in such sort that I
could scarce come to the plaine field pathes.  And behold by
and by a great company of inhabitants of the towne armed
with weapons and on horsebacke overtooke us, and
incontinently arresting Philebus and his Priests, tied them
by the necks and beate them cruelly, calling them theeves
and robbers, and after that they had manacled their hands:
Shew us (quoth they) the cup of gold, which (under the
colour of your solemne religion) ye have taken away, and now
ye thinke to escape in the night without punishment for your
fact.  By and by one came towards me, and thrusting his hand
into the bosome of the goddesse Siria, brought out the cup
which they had stole.  Howbeit for all they appeared evident
and plaine they would not be confounded nor abashed, but
jesting and laughing out the matter, gan say: Is it reason
masters that you should thus rigorously intreat us, and
threaten for a small trifling cup, which the mother of the
Goddesse determined to give to her sister for a present?
Howbeit for all their lyes and cavellations[*], they were
carryed backe unto the towne, and put in prison by the
Inhabitants, who taking the cup of gold, and the goddesse
which I bare, did put and consecrate them amongst the
treasure of the temple.  The next day I was carryed to the
market to be sold, and my price was set at seaven pence more
then Philebus gave for me.  There fortuned to passe by a
Baker of the next village, who after that he had bought a
great deale of corne, bought me likewise to carry it home,
and when he had well laded me therewith, he drave me through
a thorny and dangerous way to his bake house; there I saw a
great company of horses that went in the mill day and night
grinding of corne, but lest I should be discouraged at the
first, my master entertained me well, for the first day I
did nothing but fare daintily, howbeit such mine ease and
felicity did not long endure, for the next day following I
was tyed to the mill betimes in the morning with my face
covered, to the end in turning and winding so often one way,
I should not become giddy, but keepe a certaine course, but
although when I was a man I had seen many such horsemills
and knew well enough how they should be turned, yet feigning
my selfe ignorant of such kind of toile, I stood still and
would not goe, whereby I thought I should be taken from the
mill as an Asse unapt, and put to some other light thing, or
else to be driven into the fields to pasture, but my
subtility did me small good, for by and by when the mill
stood still, the servants came about me, crying and beating
me forward, in such sort that I could not stay to advise my
selfe, whereby all the company laughed to see so suddaine a
change.  When a good part of the day was past, that I was
not able to endure any longer, they tooke me off my
harnesse, and tied me to the manger, but although my bones
were weary, and that I needed to refresh my selfe with rest
and provender, yet I was so curious that I did greatly
delight to behold the bakers art, insomuch that I could not
eate nor drinke while I looked on.

O good Lord what a sort of poore slaves were there; some had
their skinne blacke and blew, some had their backes striped
with lashes, some were covered with rugged sackes, some had
their members onely hidden: some wore such ragged clouts,
that you might perceive all their naked bodies, some were
marked and burned in the heads with hot yrons, some had
their haire halfe clipped, some had lockes of their legges,
some very ugly and evill favoured, that they could scarce
see, their eyes and face were so blacke and dimme with
smoake, like those that fight in the sands, and know not
where they strike by reason of dust: And some had their
faces all mealy.  But how should I speake of the horses my
companions, how they being old and weake, thrust their heads
into the manger: they had their neckes all wounded and worne
away: they rated [sic] their nosethrilles with a continuall
cough, their sides were bare with their harnesse and great
travell, their ribs were broken with beating, their hooves
were battered broad with incessant labour, and their skinne
rugged by reason of their lancknesse.  When I saw this
dreadfull sight, I began to feare, least I should come to
the like state: and considering with my selfe the good
fortune which I was sometime in when I was a man, I greatly
lamented, holding downe my head, and would eate no meate,
but I saw no comfort or consolation of my evill fortune,
saving that my mind was somewhat recreated to heare and
understand what every man said, for they neither feared nor
doubted my presence.  At that time I remembred how Homer the
divine authour of ancient Poetry, described him to be a wise
man, which had travelled divers countries and nations,
wherefore I gave great thanks to my Asse for me, in that by
this meanes I had seene the experience of many things, and
was become more wise (notwithstanding the great misery and
labour which I daily sustained): but I will tell you a
pretty jest, which commeth now to my remembrance, to the
intent your eares may be delighted in hearing the same.



THE FORTIETH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was handled by the Bakers wife, which was a
harlot.


The Baker which bought me was an honest and sober man; but
his wife was the most pestilent woman in all the world,
insomuch that he endured many miseries and afflictions with
her, so that I my selfe did secretly pitty his estate, and
bewaile his evill fortune: for she had not one fault alone,
but all the mischiefes that could be devised: shee was
crabbed, cruell, lascivious, drunken, obstinate, niggish,
covetous, riotous in filthy expenses, and an enemy to faith
and chastity, a despiser of all the Gods, whom other did
honour, one that affirmed that she had a God by her selfe,
wherby she deceived all men, but especially her poore
husband, one that abandoned her body with continuall
whoredome.  This mischievous queane hated me in such sort,
that shee commanded every day before she was up, that I
should be put into the mill to grind: and the first thing
which she would doe in the morning, was to see me cruelly
beaten, and that I should grind when the other beasts did
feed and take rest.  When I saw that I was so cruelly
handled, she gave me occasion to learn her conversation and
life, for I saw oftentimes a yong man which would privily
goe into her chamber, whose face I did greatly desire to
see, but I could not by reason mine eyes were covered every
day.  And verily if I had beene free and at liberty, I would
have discovered all her abhomination.  She had an old woman,
a bawd, a messenger of mischiefe that daily haunted to her
house, and made good cheere with her to the utter undoing
and impoverishment of her husband, but I that was greatly
offended with the negligence of Fotis, who made me an Asse,
in stead of a Bird, did yet comfort my selfe by this onely
meane, in that to the miserable deformity of my shape, I had
long eares, whereby I might heare all things that was done:
On a day I heard the old bawd say to the Bakers wife:

Dame you have chosen (without my counsell) a young man to
your lover, who as me seemeth, is dull, fearefull, without
any grace, and dastardlike coucheth at the frowning looke of
your odious husband, whereby you have no delight nor
pleasure with him: how farre better is the young man
Philesiterus who is comely, beautifull, in the flower of his
youth, liberall, courteous, valiant and stout against the
diligent pries and watches of your husband, whereby to
embrace the worthiest dames of this country, and worthy to
weare a crowne of gold, for one part that he played to one
that was jealous over his wife.  Hearken how it was and then
judge the diversity of these two Lovers: Know you not one
Barbarus a Senator of our towne, whom the vulgar people call
likewise Scorpion for his severity of manners?  This
Barbarus had a gentlewoman to his wife, whom he caused daily
to be enclosed within his house, with diligent custody.
Then the Bakers wife said, I know her very well, for we two
dwelleth together in one house: Then you know (quoth the old
woman) the whole tale of Philesiterus?  No verily (said she)
but I greatly desire to know it: therefore I pray you mother
tell me the whole story.  By and by the old woman which knew
well to babble, began to tell as followeth.



THE FORTY-FIRST CHAPTER

How Barbarus being jealous over his wife, commanded that
shee should be kept close in his house, and what happened.


You shall understand that on a day this Barbarus preparing
himselfe to ride abroad, and willing to keepe the chastity
of his wife (whom he so well loved) alone to himselfe,
called his man Myrmex (whose faith he had tryed and proved
in many things) and secretly committed to him the custody of
his wife, willing him that he should threaten, that if any
man did but touch her with his finger as he passed by, he
would not onely put him in prison, and bind him hand and
foote, but also cause him to be put to death, or else to be
famished for lacke of sustenance, which words he confirmed
by an oath of all the Gods in heaven, and so departed away:
When Barbarus was gone, Myrmex being greatly astonied of his
masters threatnings, would not suffer his mistresse to goe
abroad, but as she sate all day a Spinning, he was so
carefull that he sate by her; when night came he went with
her to the baines, holding her by the garment, so faithfull
he was to fulfill the commandement of his master: Howbeit
the beauty of this matron could not be hidden from the
burning eyes of Philesiterus, who considering her great
chastity, and how she was diligently kept by Myrmex, thought
it impossible to have his purpose, yet (indeavouring by all
kind of meanes to enterprise the matter, and remembring the
fragility of man, that might be intised and corrupted with
money, since as by gold the adamant gates may be opened) on
a day, when he found Myrmex alone, he discovered his love,
desiring him to shew his favour, (otherwise he should
certainly dye) with assurance that he need not to feare when
as he might privily be let in and out in the night, without
knowledge of any person.  When he thought, with these and
other gentle words to allure and prick forward the obstinate
mind of Myrmex he shewed him glittering gold in his hand,
saying that he would give his mistresse twenty crowns and
him ten, but Myrmex hearing these words, was greatly
troubled, abhorring in his mind to commit such a mischiefe:
wherfore he stopped his eares, and turning his head departed
away: howbeit the glittering view of these crownes could
never out of his mind, but being at home he seemed to see
the money before his eyes, which was so worthy a prey,
wherefore poore Myrmex being in divers opinions could not
tell what to doe, for on the one side he considered the
promise which he made to his master, and the punishment that
should ensue if he did contrary.  On the other side he
thought of the gaine, and the passing pleasure of the
crownes of gold; in the end the desire of the money did more
prevaile then the feare of death, for the beauty of the
flowrishing crownes did so sticke in his mind, that where
the menaces of his master compelled him to tarry at home,
the pestilent avarice of gold egged him out a doores,
wherefore putting all shame aside, without further delay, he
declared all the whole matter to his Mistresse, who
according to the nature of a woman, when she heard him
speake of so great a summe, she bound chastity in a string,
and gave authority to Myrmex to rule her in that case.
Myrmex seeing the intent of his Mistresse, was very glad,
and for great desire of the gold, he ran hastily to
Philesiterus, declaring that his Mistresse was consented to
his mind, wherefore he demanded the gold which he promised.
Then incontinently Philesiterus delivered him ten Crownes,
and when night came, Myrmex brought him disguised into his
mistresses Chamber.  About Midnight when he and she were
naked together, making sacrifice unto the Goddesse Venus,
behold her husband (contrary to their expectation) came and
knocked at the doore, calling with a loud voice to his
Servant Myrmex: whose long tarrying increased the suspition
of his Master, in such sort that he threatned to beat Myrmex
cruelly: but he being troubled with feare, and driven to his
latter shifts, excused the matter saying: that he could not
find the key: by reason it was so darke.  In the meane
season Philesiterus hearing the noise at the doore, slipt on
his coat and privily ran out of the Chamber.  When Myrmex
had opened the doore to his Master that threatned terribly,
and had let him in, he went into the Chamber to his wife: In
the mean while Myrmex let out Philesiterus, and barred the
doores fast, and went againe to bed.  The next morning when
Barbarus awaked, he perceived two unknown slippers lying
under his bed, which Philesiterus had forgotten when he went
away.  Then he conceived a great suspition and jealousie in
mind, howbeit he would not discover it to his wife, neither
to any other person, but putting secretly the slippers into
his bosome, commanded his other Servants to bind Myrmex
incontinently, and to bring him bound to the Justice after
him, thinking verily that by the meane of the slippers he
might boult out the matter.  It fortuned that while Barbarus
went towards the Justice in a fury and rage, and Myrmex fast
bound, followed him weeping, not because he was accused
before his master, but by reason he knew his owne conscience
guilty: behold by adventure Philesiterus (going about his
earnest businesse) fortuned to meet with them by the way,
who fearing the matter which he committed the night before,
and doubting lest it should be knowne, did suddainly invent
a meane to excuse Myrmex, for he ran upon him and beate him
about the head with his fists, saying: Ah mischievous varlet
that thou art, and perjured knave.  It were a good deed if
the Goddesse and thy master here, would put thee to death,
for thou art worthy to be imprisoned and to weare out these
yrons, that stalest my slippers away when thou werest at my
baines yester night.  Barbarus hearing this returned
incontinently home, and called his servant Myrmex,
commanding him to deliver the slippers againe to the right
owner.  The old woman had scant finished her tale when the
Bakers wife gan say: Verily she is blessed and most blessed,
that hath the fruition of so worthy a lover, but as for me
poore miser, I am fallen into the hands of a coward, who is
not onely afraid of my husband but also of every clap of the
mill, and dares not doe nothing, before the blind face of
yonder scabbed Asse.  Then the old woman answered, I promise
you certainly if you will, you shall have this young man at
your pleasure, and therewithall when night came, she
departed out of her chamber.  In the meane season, the
Bakers wife made ready a supper with abundance of wine and
exquisite fare: so that there lacked nothing, but the
comming of the young man, for her husband supped at one of
her neighbours houses.  When time came that my harnesse
should be taken off and that I should rest my selfe, I was
not so joyfull of my liberty, as when the vaile was taken
from mine eyes, I should see all the abhomination of this
mischievous queane.  When night was come and the Sunne gone
downe, behold the old bawd and the young man, who seemed to
be but a child, by reason he had no beard, came to the
doore.  Then the Bakers wife kissed him a thousand times and
received him courteously, placed him downe at the table: but
he had scarce eaten the first morsell, when the good man
(contrary to his wives expectation) returned home, for she
thought he would not have come so soone: but Lord how she
cursed him, praying God that he might breake his necke at
the first entry in.  In the meane season, she caught her
lover and thrust him into the bin where she bolted her
flower, and dissembling the matter, finely came to her
husband demanding why he came home so soone.  I could not
abide (quoth he) to see so great a mischiefe and wicked
fact, which my neighbours wife committed, but I must run
away: O harlot as she is, how hath she dishonoured her
husband, I sweare by the goddesse Ceres, that if I had [not]
seene it with mine eyes, I would never have beleeved it.
His wife desirous to know the matter, desired him to tell
what she had done: then hee accorded to the request of his
wife, and ignorant of the estate of his own house, declared
the mischance of another.  You shall understand (quoth he)
that the wife of the Fuller[*] my companion, who seemed to me a
wise and chast woman, regarding her own honesty and profit
of her house, was found this night with her knave.  For
while we went to wash our hands, hee and she were together:
who being troubled with our presence ran into a corner, she
thrust him into a mow[*] made with twigs, appoynted to lay on
clothes to make them white with the smoake of fume and
brymstone.  Then she sate down with us at the table to
colour the matter: in the meane season the young man covered
in the mow, could not forbeare sneesing, by reason of the
smoake of the brymstone.  The good man thinking it had beene
his wife that sneesed, cryed, Christ helpe.  But when he
sneesed more, he suspected the matter, and willing to know
who it was, rose from the table, and went to the mow, where
hee found a young man welnigh dead with smoke.  When hee
understood the whole matter, he was so inflamed with anger
that he called for a sword to kill him, and undoubtedly he
had killed him, had I not restrained his violent hands from
his purpose, assuring him, that his enemy would dye with the
force of his brimstone, without the harme which he should
doe.  Howbeit my words would not appease his fury, but as
necessity required he tooke the young man well nigh choked,
and carried him out at the doores.  In the meane season, I
counsailed his wife, till the choller of her Husband was
pacified, lest he should be moved against her, as he was
against the young-man.  And so being weary of their Supper,
I forthwith returned home.  When the Baker had told his
tale, his impudent wife began to curse and abhorre the wife
of the Fuller, and generally all other wives, which abandon
their bodies with any other then with their owne Husbands,
breaking the faith and bond of marriage, whereby she said,
they were worthy to be burned alive.  But knowing her owne
guilty conscience and proper whoredome, lest her lover
should be hurt lying in the bin, she willed her husband to
goe to bed, but he having eaten nothing, said that he would
sup before he went to rest: whereby she was compelled to
maugre her eies, to set such things on the Table as she had
prepared for her lover.

But I, considering the great mischiefe of this wicked
queane, devised with my selfe how I might reveale the matter
to my Master, and by kicking away the cover of the binne
(where like a Snaile the young-man was couched) to make her
whoredome apparent and knowne.  At length I was ayded by the
providence of God, for there was an old man to whom the
custody of us was committed, that drave me poore Asse, and
the other Horses the same time to the water to drinke; then
had I good occasion ministred, to revenge the injury of my
master, for as I passed by, I perceived the fingers of the
young-man upon the side of the binne, and lifting up my
heeles, I spurned off the flesh with the force of my hoofes,
whereby he was compelled to cry out, and to throw downe the
binne on the ground, and so the whoredome of the Bakers wife
was knowne and revealed.  The Baker seeing this was not a
little moved at the dishonesty of his wife, but hee tooke
the young-man trembling for feare by the hand, and with cold
and courteous words spake in this sort: Feare not my Sonne,
nor thinke that I am so barbarous or cruell a person, that I
would stifle thee up with the smoke of Sulphur as our
neighbour accustometh, nor I will not punish thee according
to the rigour of the law of Julia, which commandeth the
Adulterers should be put to death: No no, I will not execute
my cruelty against so faire and comely a young-man as you
be, but we will devide our pleasure betweene us, by lying
all three in one bed, to the end there may be no debate nor
dissention betweene us, but that either of us may be
contented, for I have alwayes lived with my wife in such
tranquillity, that according to the saying of the wise-men,
whatsoever I say, she holdeth for law, and indeed equity
will not suffer, but that the husband should beare more
authority then the wife: with these and like words he led
the young-man to his Chamber, and closed his wife in another
Chamber.  On the next morrow, he called two of the most
sturdiest Servants of his house, who held up the young-man,
while he scourged his buttockes welfavouredly with rods like
a child.  When he had well beaten him, he said: Art not thou
ashamed, thou that art so tender and delicate a child, to
desire the violation of honest marriages, and to defame thy
selfe with wicked living, whereby thou hast gotten the name
of an Adulterer?  After he had spoken these and like words,
he whipped him againe, and chased him out of his house.  The
young-man who was the comeliest of all the adulterers, ran
away, and did nothing else that night save onely bewaile his
striped and painted buttockes.  Soone after the Baker sent
one to his wife, who divorced her away in his name, but she
beside her owne naturall mischiefe, (offended at this great
contumely, though she had worthily deserved the same) had
recourse to wicked arts and trumpery, never ceasing untill
she had found out an Enchantresse, who (as it was thought)
could doe what she would with her Sorcery and conjuration.
The Bakers wife began to intreat her, promising that she
would largely recompence her, if shee could bring one of
these things to passe, eyther to make that her husband may
be reconciled to her againe, or else if hee would not agree
thereto, to send an ill spirit into him, to dispossesse the
spirit of her husband.  Then the witch with her abhominable
science, began to conjure and to make her Ceremonies, to
turne the heart of the Baker to his wife, but all was in
vaine, wherefore considering on the one side that she could
not bring her purpose to passe, and on the other side the
losse of her gaine, she ran hastily to the Baker, threatning
to send an evill spirit to kill him, by meane of her
conjuration.  But peradventure some scrupulous reader may
demand me a question, how I, being an Asse, and tyed alwayes
in the mill house, could know the secrets of these women:
Verily I answer, notwithstanding my shape of an Asse, I had
the sence and knowledge of a man, and curiously endeavoured
to know out such injuries as were done to my master.  About
noone there came a woman into the Milhouse, very sorrowfull,
raggedly attired, with bare feete, meigre, ill-favoured, and
her hayre scattering upon her face: This woman tooke the
Baker by the hand, and faining that she had some secret
matter to tell him, went into a chamber, where they remained
a good space, till all the corne was ground, when as the
servants were compelled to call their master to give them
more corne, but when they has called very often, and no
person gave answer, they began to mistrust, insomuch that
they brake open the doore: when they were come in, they
could not find the woman, but onely their master hanging
dead upon a rafter of the chamber, whereupon they cryed and
lamented greatly, and according to the custome, when they
had washed themselves, they tooke the body and buried it.
The next day morrow, the daughter of the Baker, which was
married but a little before to one of the next Village, came
crying and beating her breast, not because she heard of the
death of her father by any man, but because his lamentable
spirit, with a halter about his necke appeared to her in the
night, declaring the whole circumstance of his death, and
how by inchantment he was descended into hell, which caused
her to thinke that her father was dead.  After that she had
lamented a good space, and was somewhat comforted by the
servants of the house, and when nine dayes were expired, as
inheretrix to her father, she sold away all the substance of
the house, whereby the goods chanced into divers mens hands.



THE FORTY-SECOND CHAPTER

How Apuleius after the Baker was hanged, was sold to a
Gardener, and what dreadfull things happened.


There was a poore Gardener amongst the rest, which bought me
for the summe of fifty pence, which seemed to him a great
price, but he thought to gayne it againe by the continuall
travell of my body.  The matter requireth to tell likewise,
how I was handled in his service.  This Gardener accustomed
to drive me every morning laded with hearbes to the next
Village, and when he had sold his hearbes, hee would mount
upon my backe and returne to the Garden, and while he digged
the ground and watered the hearbes, and went about other
businesse, I did nothing but repose my selfe with great
ease, but when Winter approached with sharpe haile, raine
and frosts, and I standing under a hedge side, was welnigh
killed up with cold, and my master was so poore that he had
no lodging for himselfe, much lesse had he any litter or
place to cover me withall, for he himselfe alwayes lay under
a little roofe shadowed with boughes.  In the morning when I
arose, I found my hoofes shriveled together with cold, and
unable to passe upon the sharpe ice, and frosty mire,
neither could I fill my belly with meate, as I accustomed to
doe, for my master and I supped together, and had both one
fare: howbeit it was very slender since as wee had nothing
else saving old and unsavoury sallets[*] which were suffered to
grow for seed, like long broomes and that had lost all their
sweet sappe and juice.

It fortuned on a day that an honest man of the next village
was benighted and constrained by reason of the rain to lodge
(very lagged and weary) in our Garden, where although he was
but meanely received, yet it served well enough considering
time and necessity.  This honest man to recompence our
entertainment, promised to give my master some corne, oyle,
and two bottles of wine: wherefore my master not delaying
the matter, laded me with sackes and bottels, and rode to
the Towne which was seaven miles off.

When we came to the honest mans house, he entertained and
feasted my master exceedingly.  And it fortuned while they
eate and dranke together as signe of great amity there
chanced a strange and dreadfull case: for there was a Hen
which ran kackling about the yard, as though she would have
layed an Egge.  The good man of the house perceiving her,
said: O good and profitable pullet that feedest us every day
with thy fruit, thou seemest as though thou wouldest give us
some pittance for our dinner: Ho boy put the Pannier in the
corner that the Hen may lay.  Then the boy did as his master
commanded , but the Hen forsaking the Pannier, came toward
her master and laid at his feet not an Egge, which every man
knoweth, but a Chickin with feathers, clawes, and eyes,
which incontinently ran peeping after his damme.  By and by
happened a more strange thing, which would cause any man to
abhorre: under the Table where they sate, the ground opened,
and there appeared a great well and fountain of bloud,
insomuch that the drops thereof sparckled about the Table.
At the same time while they wondred at this dreadfull sight
one of the Servants came running out of the Seller, and told
that all the wine was boyled out of the vessels, as though
there had beene some great fire under.  By and by a Weasel
was seene that drew into the house a dead Serpent, and out
of the mouth of a Shepheards dog leaped a live frog, and
immediately after one brought word that a Ram had strangled
the same dog at one bit.  All these things that happened,
astonied the good man of the house, and the residue that
were present, insomuch that they could not tell what to doe,
or with what sacrifice to appease the anger of the gods.
While every man was thus stroken in feare, behold, one
brought word to the good man of the house, that his three
sonnes who had been brought up in good literature, and
endued with good manners were dead, for they three had great
acquaintance and ancient amity with a poore man which was
their neighbour, and dwelled hard by them: and next unto him
dwelled another young man very rich both in lands and goods,
but bending from the race of his progenies dissentions, and
ruling himselfe in the towne according to his owne will.
This young royster did mortally hate this poore man,
insomuch that he would kill his sheepe, steale his oxen, and
spoyle his corne and other fruits before the time of
ripenesse, yet was he not contented with this, but he would
encroch upon the poore mans ground, and clayme all the
heritage as his owne.  The poore man which was very simple
and fearefull, seeing all his goods taken away by the
avarice of the rich man, called together and assembled many
of his friends to shew them all his land, to the end he
might have but so much ground of his fathers heritage, as
might bury him.  Amongst whom, he found these three
brethren, as friends to helpe and ayd him in his adversity
and tribulation.

Howbeit, the presence of these honest Citizens, could in no
wise perswade him to leave his extort power, no nor yet to
cause any temperance of his tongue, but the more they went
about with gentle words to tell him of his faults, the more
would he fret and likewise fume, swearing all the oathes
under God, that he little regarded the presence of the whole
City, whereupon incontinently he commanded his servants to
take the poore man by the eares, and carry him out of his
ground, which greatly offended all the standers by.  Then
one of the brethren spake unto him somewhat boldly saying:
It is but a folly to have such affiance in your riches,
whereby you should use your tyranny against the poore, when
as the law is common for all men, and a redresse may be had
to suppresse your insolency.  These words chafed him more
then the burning oile, or flaming brimstone, or scourge of
whipps, saying: that they should be hanged and their law
too, before he would be subject unto any person: and
therewithall he called out his bandogges and great masties,
which accustomed to eate the carrion and carkases of dead
beasts in the fields, and to set upon such as passed by the
way: then he commanded they should be put upon all the
assistance to teare then in peeces: who as soone as they
heard the hisse of their master, ran fiercely upon them
invading then on every side, insomuch that the more they
flied to escape away, the more cruell and terrible were the
dogges.  It fortuned amongst all this fearefull company,
that in running, the youngest of the three brethren stumbled
at a stone, and fell down to the ground: Then the dogs came
upon him and tare him in peeces with their teeth, whereby he
was compelled to cry for succour: His other two brethren
hearing his lamentable voice ran towards him to helpe him,
casting their cloakes about their left armes, tooke up
stones to chase away the dogs, but all was in vaine, for
they might see their brother dismembred in every part of his
body: Who lying at the very point of death, desired his
brethren to revenge his death against that cruell tyrant:
And therewithall he gave up the ghost.  The other two
brethren perceiving so great a murther, and neglecting their
owne lives, like desperate persons dressed themselves
against the tyrant, and threw a great number of stones at
him, but the bloudy theefe exercised in such and like
mischiefes, tooke a speare and thrust it cleane through the
body: howbeit he fell not downe to the ground.  For the
speare that came out at his backe ran into the earth, and
sustained him up.  By and by came one of these tyrants
servants the most sturdiest of the rest to helpe his master,
who at the first comming tooke up a stone and threw it at
the third brother, but by reason the stone ran along his
arme it did not hurt him, which chanced otherwise then all
mens expectation was: by and by the young man feigning that
his arme was greatly wounded, spake these words unto the
cruell bloud sucker: Now maist thou, thou wretch, triumph
upon the destruction of all our family, now hast thou fed
thy insatiable cruelty with the bloud of three brethren, now
maist thou rejoyce at the fall of us Citizens, yet thinke
not but that how farre thou dost remove and extend the
bounds of thy land, thou shalt have some neighbor, but how
greatly am I sorry in that I have lost mine arme
wherewithall I minded to cut off thy head.  When he had
spoken these words, the furious theefe drew out his dagger,
and running upon the young man thought verily to have slaine
him, but it chanced otherwise: For the young man resisted
him stoutly, and in buckling together by violence wrested
the dagger out of his hand: which done, he killed the rich
theefe with his owne weapon, and to the intent the young man
would escape the hands of the servants which came running to
assist their master, with the same dagger he cut his owne
throat.  These things were signified by the strange and
dreadfull wondres which fortuned in the house of the good
man, who after he had heard these sorrowfull tydings could
in no wise weepe, so farre was he stroken with dolour, but
presently taking his knife wherewith he cut his cheese and
other meate before, he cut his owne throat likewise, in such
sort that he fell upon the bord and imbraced the table with
the streames of his bloud, in most miserable manner.  Hereby
was my master the Gardener deprived of his hope, and paying
for his dinner the watry teares of his eyes, mounted upon my
backe and so we went homeward the same way as wee came.



THE FORTY-THIRD CHAPTER

How Apuleius was found by his shadow.


As wee passed by the way wee met with a tall souldier (for
so his habite and countenance declared) who with proud and
arrogant words spake to my master in this sort: ~Quorsum
vacuum ducis Asinum?~  My master somewhat astonied at the
strange sights which he saw before, and ignorant of the
Latine tongue, roade on and spake never a word: The souldier
unable to refraine his insolence, and offended at his
silence, strake him on the shoulders as he sate on my backe;
then my master gently made answer that he understood not
what he said, whereat the souldier angerly demanded againe,
whether he roade with his Asse?  Marry (quoth he) to the
next City: But I (quoth the souldier) have need of his
helpe, to carry the trusses of our Captaine from yonder
Castle, and therewithall he tooke me by the halter and would
violently have taken me away: but my master wiping away the
blood of the blow which he received of the souldier, desired
him gently and civilly to take some pitty upon him, and to
let him depart with his owne, swearing and affirming that
his slow Asse, welnigh dead with sicknesse, could scarce
carry a few handfuls of hearbs to the next towne, much lesse
he was able to beare any greater trusses: but when he saw
the souldier would in no wise be intreated, but ready with
his staffe to cleave my masters head, my master fell down at
his feete, under colour to move him to some pitty, but when
he saw his time, he tooke the souldier by the legs and cast
him upon the ground: Then he buffetted him, thumped him, bit
him, and tooke a stone and beat his face and his sides, that
he could not turne and defend himselfe, but onely threaten
that if ever he rose, he would choppe him in pieces.  The
Gardener when he heard him say so, drew out his javelin
which he had by his side, and when he had throwne it away,
he knockt and beate him more cruelly then he did before,
insomuch that the souldier could not tell by what meanes to
save himselfe, but by feining that he was dead.  Then my
master tooke the javelin and mounted upon my backe, riding
in all hast to the next village, having no regard to goe to
his Garden, and when he came thither, he turned into one of
his friends house and declared all the whole matter,
desiring him to save his life and to hide himselfe and his
Asse in some secret place, untill such time as all danger
were past.  Then his friends not forgetting the ancient
amity betweene them, entertained him willingly and drew me
up a paire of staires into a chamber, my master crept into a
chest, and lay there with the cover closed fast: The
souldier (as I afterwards learned) rose up as one awaked
from a drunken sleepe, but he could scarce goe by reason of
his wounds: howbeit at length by little and little through
ayd of his staffe he came to the towne, but hee would not
declare the matter to any person nor complaine to any
justice, lest he should be accused of cowardise or
dastardnesse, yet in the end he told some of his companions
of all the matter that happened: then they tooke him and
caused him to be closed in some secret place, thinking that
beside the injury which he had received, he should be
accused of the breach of his faith, by reason of the losse
of his speare, and when they had learned the signes of my
master, they went to search him out: at last there was an
unfaithfull neighbour that told them where he was, then
incontinently the souldiers went to the Justice declaring
that they had lost by the way a silver goblet of their
Captaines, and that a Gardener had found it, who refusing to
deliver the goblet, was hidden in one of his friends houses:
by and by the Magistrates understanding the losse of the
Captaine, came to the doores where we were, commanded our
host to deliver my master upon paine of death: howbeit these
threatnings could not enforce him to confesse that he was
within his doores, but by reason of his faithfull promise
and for the safeguard of his friend, he said, that hee saw
not the Gardener a great while, neither knew where he was:
the souldiers said contrary, whereby to know the verity of
the matter, the Magistrates commanded their Seargants and
ministers to search every corner of the house, but when they
could find neither Gardener nor Asse, there was a great
contention betweene the souldiers and our Host, for they
sayd we were within the house: and he said no, but I that
was very curious to know the matter, when I heard so great a
noyse, put my head out of the window to learne what the
stirre and tumult did signifie.  It fortuned that one of the
souldiers perceived my shadow, whereupon he began to cry,
saying: that hee had certainly seene me; then they were all
glad and came up into the chamber, and pulled me downe like
a prisoner.  When they had found mee, they doubted nothing
of the Gardener, but seeking about more narrowly, at length
they found him couched in a chest.  And so they brought out
the poore gardener to the Justices, who was committed
immediately to prison, but they could never forbeare
laughing from the time they found me by my shadow, wherefore
is risen the common Proverbe: `The shadow of the Asse.'




THE TENTH BOOKE



THE FORTY-FOURTH CHAPTER

How the souldier drave Apuleius away, and how he came to a
Captaines house, and what happened there.


The next day how my master the Gardener sped, I knew not,
but the gentle souldier, who was well beaten for his
cowardise, lead me to his lodging without the contradiction
of any man: Where hee laded me well, and garnished my body
(as seemed to me) like an Asse of armes.  For on the one
side I bare an helmet that shined exceedingly: On the other
side a Target that glistered more a thousand folde.  And on
the top of my burthen he put a long speare, which things he
placed thus gallantly, not because he was so expert in warre
(for the Gardener proved the contrary) but to the end he
might feare those which passed by, when they saw such a
similitude of warre.  When we had gone a good part of our
journey, over the plaine and easie fields, we fortuned to
come to a little towne, where we lodged at a certaine
Captaines house.  And there the souldier tooke me to one of
the servants, while he himselfe went towards his captaine;
who had the charge of a thousand men.  And when we had
remained there a few dayes, I understood of a wicked and
mischievous fact committed there, which I have put in
writing to the end you may know the same.  The master of the
house had a sonne instructed in good literature, and endued
with vertuous manners, such a one as you would desire to
have the like.  Long time before his mother dyed, and when
his father married a new wife, and had another child of the
age of xii. yeares.  The stepdame was more excellent in
beauty then honesty: for she loved this young man her sonne
in law, either because she was unchast by nature, or because
she was enforced by fate of stepmother, to commit so great a
mischiefe.  Gentle reader, thou shalt not read of a fable,
but rather a tragedy: This woman when her love began first
to kindle in her heart, could easily resist her desire and
inordinate appetite by reason of shame and feare, lest her
intent should be knowne: But after it compassed and burned
every part of her brest, she was compelled to yeeld unto the
raging flame of Cupid, and under colour of the disease and
infirmity of her body, to conceale the wound of her
restlesse mind.  Every man knoweth well the signes and
tokens of love, and the malady convenient to the same: Her
countenance was pale, her eyes sorrowfull, her knees weake,
and there was no comfort in her, but continuall weeping and
sobbing, insomuch that you would have thought that she had
some spice[*] of an ague, saving that she wept unmeasurably:
the Phisitian knew not her disease, when they felt the
beating of the veines, the intemperance of her heart, the
sobbing sighes, and her often tossing of every side: No, no,
the cunning Phisitian knew it not, but a scholler of Venus
Court might easily conjecture the whole.  After that she had
beene long time tormented in her affliction, and was no more
able to conceale her ardent desire, shee caused her sonne to
be called for, (which word son she would faine put away if
it were not for shame:) Then he nothing disobedient to the
commandement of his mother, with a sad and modest
countenance, came into the chamber of his stepdame, the
mother of his brother, but she speaking never a word was in
great doubt what she might doe, and could not tell what to
say first, by reason of shame.  The young man suspecting no
ill, with humble courtesie demanded the cause of her present
disease.  Then she having found an occasion to utter her
intent, with weeping eyes and covered face, began boldly to
speake unto him in this manner: Thou, thou, art the
originall cause of all my dolour: Thou art my comfort and
onely health, for those thy comely eyes are so enfastned
within my brest, that unlesse they succour me, I shall
certainly die: Have pitty therefore upon me, be not the
occasion of my destruction, neither let my conscience
reclaime to offend thy father, when as thou shalt save the
life of thy mother.  Moreover since thou dost resemble thy
fathers shape in every point, it giveth me cause the more to
fancy thee: Now is ministred unto thee time and place: Now
hast thou occasion to worke thy will, seeing that we are
alone.  And it is a common saying:

                 Never knowne, never done.

This young man troubled in mind at so suddaine an ill,
although he abhorred to commit so beastly a crime, yet hee
would not cast her off with a present deniall, but warily
pacified her mind with delay of promise.  Wherefore he
promised to doe all according to her desire: And in the
meane season, he willed his mother to be of some good
cheere, and comfort her selfe till as he might find some
convenient time to come unto her, when his father was ridden
forth: Wherewithall hee got him away from the pestilent
sight of his stepdame.  And knowing that this matter
touching the ruine of all the whole house needed the
counsell of wise and grave persons, he went incontinently to
a sage old man and declared the whole circumstance of the
matter.  The old man after long deliberation, thought there
was no better way to avoyd the storme of cruell fortune to
come, then to run away.  In the meane season this wicked
woman impatient of her love, and the long delay of her
sonne, egged her husband to ride abroad into farre
countreyes.  And then she asked the young-man the
accomplishment of his promise, but he to rid himselfe
entirely from her hands, would find alwayes excuses, till in
the end she understood by the messengers that came in and
out, that he nothing regarded her.  Then she by how much she
loved him before, by so much and more she hated him now.
And by and by she called one of her servants, ready to all
mischiefes; To whom she declared all her secrets.  And there
it was concluded betweene them two, that the surest way was
to kill the young man: Whereupon this varlet went
incontinently to buy poyson, which he mingled with wine, to
the intent he would give it to the young man to drinke, and
thereby presently to kill him.  But while they were in
deliberation how they might offer it unto him, behold there
happened a strange adventure.  For the young sonne of the
woman that came from the schoole at noone (being very
thirsty) tooke the pot wherein the poyson was mingled, and
ignorant of the venim, dranke a good draught thereof, which
was prepared to kill his brother: whereby he presently fell
downe to the ground dead.  His schoolemaster seeing his
sudden change, called his mother, and all the servants of
the house, with a lowd voyce.  Incontinently every man
declared his opinion, touching the death of the child: but
the cruell woman the onely example of stepmothers malice,
was nothing moved by the bitter death of her sonne, or by
her owne conscience of paracide, or by the misfortune of her
house, or by the dolour of her husband, but rather devised
the destruction of all her family.  For by and by shee sent
a messenger after her husband to tell him the great
misfortune which happened after his departure.  And when he
came home, the wicked woman declared that his sonne had
empoysoned his brother, because he would not consent to his
will, and told him divers other leasings, adding in the end
that he threatned to kill her likewise, because she
discovered the fact: Then the unhappy father was stroken
with double dolour of the death of his two children, for on
the one side he saw his younger sonne slaine before his
eyes, on the other side, he seemed to see the elder
condemned to dye for his offence: Againe, where he beheld
his wife lament in such sort, it gave him further occasion
to hate his sonne more deadly; but the funerals of his
younger sonne were scarce finished, when the old man the
father with weeping eyes even at the returne from the grave,
went to the Justice and accused his sonne of the slaughter
of his brother, and how he threatned to slay his wife,
whereby the rather at his weeping and lamentation, he mooved
all the Magistrates and people to pitty, insomuch that
without any delay, or further inquisition they cryed all
that he should be stoned to death, but the Justices fearing
a farther inconvenience to arise by the particular
vengeance, and to the end there might fortune no sedition
amongst the people, prayed the decurions and other Officers
of the City, that they might proceed by examination of
witnesses, and with order of justice according to the
ancient custome before the judging of any hasty sentence or
judgement, without the hearing of the contrary part, like as
the barbarous and cruell tyrants accustome to use: otherwise
they should give an ill example to their successours.  This
opinion pleased every man, wherefore the Senatours and
counsellors were called, who being placed in order according
to their dignity, caused the accuser and defender to be
brought forth, and by the example of the Athenian law, and
judgement materiall, their Advocates were commanded to plead
their causes briefly without preambles or motions of the
people to pitty, which were too long a processe.  And if you
demand how I understood all this matter, you shall
understand that I heard many declare the same, but to recite
what words the accuser used in his invective, what answer
the defender made, the orations and pleadings of each party,
verily I am not able to doe: for I was fast bound at the
manger.  But as I learned and knew by others, I will God
willing declare unto you.  So it was ordered, that after the
pleadings of both sides was ended, they thought best to try
and boult out the verity by witnesses, all presumptions and
likelihood set apart, and to call in the servant, who onely
was reported to know all the matter: by and by the servant
came in, who nothing abashed, at the feare of so great a
judgement, or at the presence of the Judges, or at his owne
guilty conscience, which hee so finely fained, but with a
bold countenance presented himselfe before the Justices and
confirmed the accusation against the young man, saying: O
yee judges, on a day when this young man loathed and hated
his stepmother, hee called mee, desiring me to poyson his
brother, whereby hee might revenge himselfe, and if I would
doe it and keepe the matter secret, hee promised to give me
a good reward for my paines: but when the young man
perceived that I would not accord to his will, he threatned
to slay mee, whereupon hee went himselfe and bought poyson,
and after tempered it with wine, and then gave it to me to
give the child, which when I refused he offered to his
brother with his own hands.  When the varlet with a
trembling countenance had ended these words which seemed a
likelihood of truth, the judgement was ended: neither was
there found any judge or counsellor, so mercifull to the
young man accused, as would not judge him culpable, but that
he should be put and sowne in a skin, with a dogge, a Cocke,
a Snake, and an Ape, according to the law against
parricides: wherefore they wanted nothing but (as the
ancient custome was) to put white stones and black into a
pot, and to take them out againe, to see whether the
young-man accused should be acquitted by judgement or
condemned, which was a thing irrevocable.

In the mean season he was delivered to the hands of the
executioner.  But there arose a sage and ancient Physitian,
a man of a good conscience and credit throughout all the
City, that stopped the mouth of the pot wherein the stones
were cast, saying: I am right glad ye reverend Judges, that
I am a man of name and estimation amongst you, whereby I am
accompted such a one as will not suffer any person to be put
to death by false and untrue accusations, considering there
hath bin no homicide or murther committed by this yong man
in this case, neither you (being sworn to judge uprightly)
to be misinformed and abused by invented lyes and tales.
For I cannot but declare and open my conscience, least I
should be found to beare small honour and faith to the Gods,
wherefore I pray you give eare, and I will shew you the
whole truth of the matter.  You shall understand that this
servant which hath merited to be hanged, came one of these
dayes to speake with me, promising to give me a hundred
crownes, if I would give him present poyson, which would
cause a man to dye suddenly, saying, that he would have it
for one that was sicke of an incurable disease, to the end
he might be delivered from all torment, but I smelling his
crafty and subtill fetch, and fearing least he would worke
some mischiefe withall, gave him a drinke: but to the intent
I might cleare my selfe from all danger that might happen, I
would not presently take the money which he offered.  But
least any of the crownes should lacke weight or be found
counterfeit, I willed him to seale the purse wherein they
were put, with his manuell signe, whereby the next day we
might goe together to the Goldsmith to try them, which he
did; wherefore understanding that he was brought present
before you this day, I hastily commanded one of my servants
to fetch the purse which he had sealed, and here I bring it
unto you to see whether he will deny his owne signe or no:
and you may easily conject that his words are untrue, which
he alleadged against the young man, touching the buying of
the poyson, considering hee bought the poyson himselfe.
When the Physitian had spoken these words you might perceive
how the trayterous knave changed his colour, how hee sweat
for feare, how he trembled in every part of his body: and
how he set one leg upon the other, scratching his head and
grinding his teeth, whereby there was no person but would
judge him culpable.  In the end, when he was somewhat
returned to his former subtility, he began to deny all that
was said, and stoutly affirmed, that the Physitian did lye.
But the Physitian perceiving that he was rayled at and his
words denyed, did never cease to confirme his sayings, and
to disprove the varlet, till such time as the Officers by
the commandment of the Judges, bound his hands and brought
out the seale, wherewith he had sealed the purse which
augmented suspition which was conceived of him first.
Howbeit, neither the feare of the wheele or any other
torment according to the use of the Grecians, which were
ready prepared, no, nor yet the fire could enforce him to
confesse the matter, so obstinate and grounded was he in his
mischievous mind.  But the Physitian perceiving that the
menaces of these torments did nothing prevaile, gan say: I
cannot suffer or abide that this young man who is innocent,
should against all law and conscience, be punished and
condemned to die, and the other which is culpable, should
escape so easily, and after mocke and flowte at your
judgement: for I will give you an evident proofe and
argument of this present crime.  You shall understand, that
when this caytiffe demanded of me a present and strong
poyson, considering that it was not my part to give occasion
of any others death, but rather to cure and save sicke
persons by meane of medicines: and on the other side,
fearing least if I should deny his request, I might minister
a further cause of his mischiefe, either that he would buy
poyson of some other, or else returne and worke his wicked
intent, with a sword or some dangerous weapon, I gave him no
poyson, but a doling drinke of Mandragora, which is of such
force, that it will cause any man to sleepe as though he
were dead.  Neither is it any marvaile if this most
desperate man, who is certainly assured to be put to death,
ordained by an ancient custome, can suffer and abide these
facill and easie torments, but if it be so that the child
hath received the drinke as I tempered it with mine owne
hands, he is yet alive and doth but sleepe, and after his
sleepe he shall returne to life againe, but if he be dead
indeed, then you may further enquire of the causes of his
death.  The opinion of this ancient Physitian was found
good, and every man had a desire to goe to the Sepulchre
where the child was layd; there was none of the Justices,
none of any reputation of the towne, nor any of the common
people, but went to see this strange sight.  Amongst them
all the father of the child remooved with his owne hands the
stone of the Sepulchre, and found his Sonne rising up after
his dead and soporiferous sleepe, whom when he beheld, he
imbraced him in his armes, and presented him before the
people, with great joy and consolation, and as he was
wrapped and bound in his grave, so he brought him before the
Judges, whereupon the wickednesse of the Servant, and the
rest of the Servant, and the treason of the stepdame was
plainely discovered, and the verity of the matter revealed,
whereby the woman was perpetually exiled, the Servant hanged
on a Gallowes, and the Physitian had the Crownes, which was
prepared to buy the poyson.  Behold how the fortune of the
old man was changed, who thinking to be deprived of all his
race and posterity, was in one moment made the Father of two
Children.  But as for me, I was ruled and handled by
fortune, according to her pleasure.



THE FORTY-FIFTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius was sold to two brethren, whereof one was a
Baker, and the other a Cooke, and how finely and daintily he
fared.


The Souldier that payed never a penny for me, by the
commandement of his Captaine, was sent unto Rome, to cary
Letters to the great Prince, and Generall of the Campe.
Before he went, he sold me for eleven pence to two of his
Companions, being Servants to a man of worship, whereof one
was a Baker that baked sweet bread and delicates, the other
a Cooke, which dressed fine and excellent meats for his
Master.  These two lived in common, and would drive me from
place to place, to carry such things as was necessary,
insomuch that I was received by these two, as a third
Brother, and Companion, and I thought I was never better
placed, then with them: for when night came that Supper was
done, and the businesse ended, they would bring many good
morsels into their Chamber for themselves.  One would bring
Pigs, Chickens, fish, and other good meates, the other fine
bread, pasties, tarts, custards and other delicate Junkets
dipped in hony.  And when they had shut their chamber doore,
and went to the bains: (O Lord) how I would fill my guts
with these goodly dishes: neither was I so much a foole, or
so very an Asse, to leave the dainty meats, and to grind my
teeth upon hard hay.  In this sort I continued a great
space, for I played the honest Asse, taking but a little of
one dish, and a little of another, wherby no man distrusted
me.  In the end, I was more hardier and began to devoure the
whole messes of the sweet delicates, which caused the baker
and the Cooke to suspect, howbeit they nothing mistrusted
me, but searched about to apprehend the theefe.  At length
they began to accuse one another of theft, and to set the
dishes and morsels of meat in order, one by another, because
they would learne what was taken away, whereby one of them
was compelled to say thus to his fellow: Is it reason to
breake promise and faith in this sort, by stealing away the
best meat, and to sell it to augment thy good, and yet
neverthelesse to have thy part in the residue that is left:
if our partnership do mislike thee, we will breake of: for I
perceive that the great losse which I sustain, will at
length be a cause of great discord betweene us.  Then
answered the other, Verily I praise thy great constancy and
subtilnesse, in that (when thou hast secretly taken away the
meat) [thou] dost begin to complaine first, whereas I by
long space of time have suffered thee, because I would not
seeme to accuse my brother of theft, but I am right glad in
that wee are fallen into communication of the matter, least
by our silence, like contention might arise betweene us, as
fortuned betweene Eteocles and his Brother.  When they had
reasoned together in this sort, they swore both earnestly,
that neither of them stale or tooke away any jote of the
meate, wherefore they concluded to search out the Theefe by
all kind of meanes.  For they could not imagin or thinke,
the Asse who stood alone there, would eate any such meates,
neither could they thinke that Mice or Flyes, were so
ravenous, as to devouer whole dishes of meat, like the Birds
Harpies which carried away the meates of Phineus the King of
Archadia.  In the meane season while I was fed with dainty
morsels, I gathered together my flesh, my skin waxed soft,
my haire began to shine, and was gallant on every part, but
such faire and comely shape of my body, was cause of my
dishonour, for the Baker and Cooke marvelled to see me so
slick and fine, considering I did eate no hay at all.
Wherefore on a time at their accustomed houre, they went to
the baines, and locked their chamber doore.  It fortuned
that ere they departed away, they espyed me through a hole,
how I fell roundly to my victuals: then they marvelled
greatly, and little esteemed the losse of their meate,
laughed exceedingly, calling the servants of the house, to
shew them the greedy gorge and appetite of the Asse.  Their
laughing was so immoderate that the master of the house
heard them, and demanded the cause of their laughter, and
when hee understood all the matter, hee looked through the
hole likewise, wherewith he took such a delectation that hee
commanded the doore to be opened, that hee might see mee at
his pleasure.  Then I perceiving every man laugh, was
nothing abashed, but rather more bold, whereby I never
rested eating, till such time as the master of the house
commanded me to be brought into his parler as a novelty, and
there caused all kinds of meates which were never touched to
be set on the table, which (although I had eaten
sufficiently before, yet to win the further favour of the
master of the house) I did greedily devoure and made a
cleane riddance of all the delicate meates.  And to prove my
nature wholly, they gave mee such meates as every Asse doth
abhorre: for they put before mee beefe and vinegar, birds
and pepper, fish and verjuice[*]: in the meane season they that
beheld mee at the table did nothing but laugh.  Then one of
the servants of the house sayd to his master, I pray you sir
give him some drinke to his supper: Marry (quoth hee) I
thinke thou saist true, for it may be, that to his meate hee
would drinke likewise a cup of wine.  Hoe boy, wash yonder
pot, and fill it with wine, which done, carry it to the
Asse, and say that I have drunke to him.  Then all the
standers by looked on, to see what would come to passe: but
I (as soone as I beheld the cup) staied not long, but
gathering my lips together, supped up all the wine at one
draught.  The master being right joyfull hereat caused the
Baker and Cooke which had brought me, to come before him, to
whom he delivered foure times as much for me, as they paid,
which done he committed me to one of his rich Libertines,
and charged him to looke well to me, and that I should lacke
nothing, who obeied his masters commandement in every point:
and to the end he would creepe further into his favour, he
taught me a thousand qualities.  First he instructed me to
sit at the table upon my taile, and how I should leape and
dance, holding up my former feete: moreover hee taught me
how I should answer when any body spake unto me, with
nodding my head, which was a strange and marvailous thing,
and if I did lacke drinke, I should looke still upon the
pot.  All which things I did willingly bring to passe, and
obeyed his doctrine: howbeit, I could have done all these
things without his teaching, but I feared greatly lest in
shewing my selfe cunning without a master, I should pretend
some great and strange wonder, and thereby be throwne out to
wild beasts.  But my fame was spred about in every place,
and the qualities which I could doe, insomuch that my master
was renowned throughout all the Country by reason of mee.
For every man would say: Behold the Gentleman that hath an
Asse, that will eate and drinke with him, that will dance,
and understand what is said to him, will shew his fantasie
by signes.  But first I will tell you (which I should have
done before) who my master was, and of what country.  His
name was Thiasus, hee was borne at Corinth, which is a
principall towne of Achaia, and he had passed many offices
of honor, till hee had taken upon him the degree
Quinquenuall, according as his birth and dignity required,
who to shew his worthinesse, and to purchase the benevolence
of every person, appointed publike joyes and triumphs, to
endure the space of three dayes, and to bring his endeavour
to passe, he came into Thessaly to buy excellent Beasts, and
valiant fighters for the purpose.



THE FORTY-SIXTH CHAPTER

How a certaine Matron fell in love with Apuleius, how hee
had his pleasure with her, and what other things happened.


When he had bought such things as was necessary, he would
not returne home into his Countrey in Chariots, or waggon,
neither would he ride upon Thessalian Horses, or Jenets of
France, or Spanish Mules, which be most excellent as can be
found, but caused me to be garnished and trimmed with
trappers and barbs of Gold, with brave harnesse, with purple
coverings, with a bridle of silver, with pictured cloths,
and with shrilling bells, and in this manner he rode upon me
lovingly, speaking and intreating me with gentle words, but
above all things he did greatly rejoyce in that I was his
Servant to beare him upon my backe, and his Companion to
feed with him at the Table: After long time when we had
travelled as well by Sea as Land, and fortuned to arive at
Corinth, the people of the Towne came about us on every
side, not so much to doe honour to Thiasus, as to see me:
For my fame was so greatly spread there, that I gained my
master much money, and when the people was desirous to see
me play prankes, they caused the Gates to be shut, and such
as entered in should pay money, by meanes whereof I was a
profitable companion to them every day: There fortuned to be
amongst the Assembly a noble and rich Matron that conceived
much delight to behold me, and could find no remedy to her
passions and disordinate appetite, but continually desired
to have her pleasure with me, as Pasiphae had with a Bull.
In the end she promised a great reward to my keeper for the
custody of me one night, who for gaine of a little money
accorded to her desire, and when I had supped in a Parler
with my Master, we departed away and went into our Chamber,
where we found the faire Matron, who had tarried a great
space for our comming: I am not able to recite unto you how
all things were prepared: there were four Eunuches that lay
on a bed of downe on the ground with Boulsters accordingly
for us to lye on, the Coverlet was of cloth of Gold, and the
pillowes soft and tender, whereon the delicate Matron had
accustomed to lay her head.  Then the Eunuches not minding
to delay any longer the pleasure of their Mistresse closed
the doores of the Chamber and departed away: within the
Chamber were Lamps that gave off a cleare light all the
place over: Then she put off all her Garments to her naked
skinne, and taking the Lampe that stood next to her, began
to annoint all her body with balme, and mine likewise, but
especially my nose, which done she kissed me, not as they
accustome to doe at the stewes, or in brothell houses, or in
the Curtaint Schooles for gaine of money, but purely,
sincerely, and with great affection, casting out these and
like loving words: Thou art he whom I love, thou art he whom
I onely desire, without thee I cannot live, and other like
preamble of talke as women can use well enough, when as they
mind to shew or declare their burning passions and great
affection of love: Then she tooke me by the halter and cast
me downe upon the bed, which was nothing strange unto me,
considering that she was so beautifull a Matron and I so wel
boldened out with wine, and perfumed with balme, whereby I
was readily prepared for the purpose: But nothing grieved me
so much as to think, how I should with my huge and great
legs imbrace so faire a Matron, or how I should touch her
fine, dainty, and silken skinne, with my hard hoofes, or how
it was possible to kisse her soft, pretty and ruddy lips,
with my monstrous mouth and stony teeth, or how she, who was
young and tender, could be able to receive me.

And I verily thought if I should hurt the woman by any kind
of meane, I should be throwne to the wild Beasts: But in the
meane season she kissed me, and looked in my mouth with
burning eyes, saying: I hold thee my cunny, I hold thee my
nops, my sparrow, and therewithall she eftsoones imbraced my
body round about, and had her pleasure with me, whereby I
thought the mother of Minotarus did not causelesse quench
her inordinate desire with a Bull.  When night was passed,
with much joy and small sleepe, the Matron went before day
to my keeper to bargaine with him another night, which he
willingly granted, partly for gaine of money, and partly to
finde new pastime for my master.  Who after he was informed
of all the history of my luxury, was right glad, and
rewarded my keeper well for his paine, minding to shew
before the face of all the people, what I could doe: but
because they would not suffer the Matron to abide such
shame, by reason of her dignity, and because they could
finde no other that would endeavour so great a reproach, at
length they obtained for money a poore woman, which was
condemned to be eaten of wilde beasts, with whom I should
openly have to doe: But first I will tell you what tale I
heard concerning this woman.  This woman had a husband,
whose father minding to ride foorth, commanded his wife
which he left at home great with child, that if she were
delivered of a daughter, it should incontinently be killed.
When the time of her delivery came, it fortuned that she had
a daughter, whom she would not suffer to be slaine, by
reason of the naturall affection which she bare unto her
child, but secretly committed her to one of her neighbours
to nurse.  And when her husband returned home, shee declared
unto him that shee was delivered of a daughter, whom (as hee
commanded), shee had caused to be put to death.  But when
this child came to age, and ready to be married, the mother
knew not by what meanes shee should endow her daughter, but
that her husband should understand and perceive it.
Wherefore shee discovered the matter to her sonne, who was
the husband of this woman, condemned to be eaten of wilde
beasts: For shee greatly feared least hee should unawares
fancie or fall in love with his owne sister.  The young man
understanding the whole matter (to please and gratifie his
mother) went immediately to the young mayden, keeping the
matter secret in his heart, for feare of inconveniency, and
(lamenting to see his sister forsaken both of mother and
father) incontinently after endowed her with part of his
owne goods, and would have married her to one of his
especiall and trusty friends: But although hee brought this
to passe very secretly and sagely, yet in the end cruell
fortune sowed great sedition in his house.  For his wife who
was now condemned to beasts, waxed jealous of her husband
and began to suspect the young woman as a harlot and common
queane, insomuch that shee invented all manner of meanes to
dispatch her out of the way.  And in the end shee invented
this kind of mischiefe: She privily stale away her husbands
ring, and went into the country, whereas she commanded one
of her trusty servants to take the ring and carry it to the
mayden.  To whom he should declare that her brother did pray
her to come into the country to him, and that she should
come alone without any person.  And to the end shee should
not delay but come with all speed he should deliver her the
ring, which should be a sufficient testimony of the message.
This mayden as soone as she had received the ring of her
brother, being very willing and desirous to obey his
commandement: (For she knew no otherwise but that he had
sent for her) went in all hast as the messenger willed her
to doe.  But when she was come to the snare and engine which
was prepared for her, the mischievous woman, like one that
were mad, and possessed with some ill spirit, when the poore
maiden called for helpe with a loud voyce to her brother,
the wicked harlot (weening that she had invented and feined
the matter) tooke a burning firebrand and thrust it into her
secret place, whereby she died miserably.  The husband of
this maiden but especially her brother, advertised of her
death, came to the place where she was slain, and after
great lamentation and weeping, they caused her to be buried
honourably.  This yong man her brother taking in ill part
the miserable death of his sister, as it was convenient he
should, conceived so great a dolour within his mind and was
strucken with so pestilent fury of bitter anguish, that he
fell into the burning passions of a dangerous ague, whereby
he seemed in such necessity, that he needed to have some
speedy remedy to save his life.  The woman that slew the
Maiden having lost the name of wife together with her faith,
went to a traiterous Physitian, who had killed a great many
persons in his dayes and promised him fifty peeces of Gold,
if he would give her a present poyson to kill her Husband
out of hand, but in presence of her Husband, she feined that
it was necessary for him to receive a certaine kind of
drinke, which the Maisters and Doctours of Physicke doe call
a sacred Potion, to the intent he might purge Choller and
scoure the interiour parts of his body.  But the Physitian
in stead of that drinke prepared a mortall and deadly
poyson, and when he had tempered it accordingly, he tooke
the pot in the presence of the family, and other neighbours
and friends of the sick yong man, and offered it to his
patient.  But the bold and hardy woman, to the end she might
accomplish her wicked intent, and also gaine the money which
she had promised the Physitian, staid the pot with her hand,
saying: I pray you master Physitian, minister not this
drinke unto my deare Husband, untill such time as you have
drunke some part thereof your selfe: For what know I,
whether you have mingled any poyson in the drinke or no,
wherein I would have you not to be offended: For I know that
you are a man of wisedome and learning, but this I do to the
intent the conscience and love that I beare to the health
and safeguard of my husband, may be apparent.  The Physitian
being greatly troubled at the wickednesse of this
mischievous woman, as voyd of all counsell and leysure to
consider of the matter, and least he might give any cause of
suspition to the standers by, or shew any scruple of his
guilty conscience, by reason of long delay, tooke the pot in
his hand, and presently drunke a good draught thereof, which
done, the young man having no mistrust, drunke up the
residue.  The Physitian would have gone immediately home to
receive a counterpoyson, to expell and drive out the first
poyson: But the wicked woman persevering in her mischiefe,
would not suffer him to depart a foot, untill such time as
the poyson began to worke in him, and then by much prayer
and intercession she licensed him to goe home: By the way
the poyson invaded the intrailes and bowels of the whole
body of the Physitian, in such sort that with great paine he
came to his owne house, where he had scarce time to speake
to his wife, and to will her to receive the promised
salitary of the death of two persons, but he yeelded up the
ghost: And the other young man lived not long after, but
likewise dyed, amongst the feined and deceitfull teares of
his cursed wide.  A few dayes after, when the young man was
buried and the funerall ended, the Physitians wife demanded
of her the fifty peeces of gold which she had promised her
husband for the drinke, whereat the ill disposed woman, with
resemblance of honesty, answered her with gentle words, and
promised to give her the fifty peeces of gold, if she would
fetch her a little of that same drinke, to proceed and make
an end of all her enterprise.  The Physitians wife partly to
winne the further favour of this rich woman, and partly to
gaine the money, ranne incontinently home, and brought her a
whole roote of poyson, which when she saw, having now
occasion to execute her further malice, and to finish the
damnable plot, began to stretch out her bloody hands to
murther.  She had a daughter by her husband (that was
poysoned) who according to order of law, was appointed heire
of all the lands and goods of her father: but this woman
knowing that the mothers succoured their children, and
received all their goods after their death, purposed to shew
her selfe a like parent to her child, as she was a wife to
her husband, whereupon she prepared a dinner with her owne
hands, and empoysoned both the wife of the Physitian and her
owne daughter: The child being young and tender dyed
incontinently by force of the drinke, but the Physitians
wife being stout and strong of complexion, feeling the
poison to trill down into her body, doubted the matter, and
thereupon knowing of certainty that she had received her
bane, ran forthwith to the judges house, that what with her
cryes, and exclamations, she raised up the people of the
towne, and promising them to shew divers wicked and
mischievous acts, caused that the doores and gates were
opened.  When she came in she declared from the beginning to
the end the abhomination of this cursed woman: but shee had
scarce ended her tale, when opening her falling lips, and
grinding her teeth together, she fell downe dead before the
face of the Judge, who incontinently to try the truth of the
matter, caused the cursed woman, and her servants to be
pulled out of the house, and enforced by paine of torment to
confesse the verity, which being knowne, this mischievous
woman farre less than she deserved, but because there could
be no more cruell a death invented for the quality of her
offence, was condemned to be eaten with wild beasts.  Behold
with this woman was I appointed to have to doe before the
face of the people, but I being wrapped in great anguish,
and envying the day of the triumph, when we two should so
abandon our selves together, devised rather to sley my
selfe, then to pollute my body with this mischievous harlot,
and so for ever remaine defamed: but it was impossible for
me so to doe, considering that I lacked hands, and was not
able to hold a knife in my hoofes: howbeit standing in a
pretty cabin, I rejoyced in my selfe to see that spring time
was come, and that all things flourished, and that I was in
good hope to find some Roses, to render me my human shape.
When the day of triumph came, I was led with great pompe and
benevolence to the appointed place, where when I was
brought, I first saw the preamble of that triumph, dedicated
with dancers and merry taunting jests, and in the meane
season was placed before the gate of the Theater, whereas on
the one side I saw the greene and fresh grasse growing
before the entry thereof, whereon I greatly desired to feed:
on the other side I conceived a great delectation to see
when the Theater gates were opened, how all things was
finely prepared and set forth: For there I might see young
children and maidens in the flowre of their youth of
excellent beauty, and attired gorgiously, dancing and mooved
in comely order, according to the order of Grecia, for
sometime they would dance in length, sometime round
together, sometime divide themselves into foure parts, and
sometime loose hands on every side: but when the trumpet
gave warning that every man should retire to his place, then
began the triumph to appeare.  First there was a hill of
wood, not much unlike that which the Poet Homer called Idea,
for it was garnished about with all sort of greene verdures
and lively trees, from the top whereof ran down a cleare and
fresh fountaine, nourishing the waters below, about which
wood were many young and tender Goates, plucking and feeding
daintily in the budding trees, then came a young man a
shepheard representing Paris, richly arrayed with vestments
of Barbary, having a mitre of gold upon his head, and
seeming as though he kept the goates.  After him ensued
another young man all naked, saving that his left shoulder
was covered with a rich cloake, and his head shining with
glistering haires, and hanging downe, through which you
might perceive two little wings, whereby you might
conjecture that he was Mercury, with his rod called
Caduceus, he bare in his right hand an Apple of gold, and
with a seemely gate went towards him that represented Paris,
and after hee had delivered him the Apple, hee made a signe,
signifying that Jupiter had commanded him so to doe: when he
had done his message he departed away.  And by and by, there
approached a faire and comely mayden, not much unlike to
Juno, for she had a Diademe of gold upon her head, and in
her hand she bare a regall scepter: then followed another
resembling Pallas, for she had on her head a shining sallet,
whereon was bound a garland of Olive branches, having in one
hand a target or shield: and in the other a speare as though
she would fight: then came another which passed the other in
beauty, and presented the Goddesse Venus, with the color of
Ambrosia, when she was a maiden, and to the end she would
shew her perfect beauty shee appeared all naked, saving that
her fine and dainty skin was covered with a thin smocke,
which the wind blew hither and thither to testifie the youth
and flowre of the age of the dame.  Her colour was of two
sorts, for her body was white as descended from heaven, and
her smocke was blewish, as arrived from the sea: After every
one of the Virgins which seemed goddesses, followed certaine
waiting servants, Castor and Pollus went behind Juno, having
on their heads helmets covered with starres.  This Virgin
Juno sounded a Flute, which shee bare in her hand, and
mooved her selfe towards the shepheard Paris, shewing by
honest signes and tokens, and promising that hee should be
Lord of all Asia, if hee would judge her the fairest of the
three, and to give her the apple of gold: the other maiden
which seemed by her armour to be Pallas, was accompanied
with two young men armed, and brandishing their naked swords
in their hands, whereof one named Terror, and the other
Feare; behind them approached one sounding his trumpet to
provoke and stirre men to battell; this maiden began to
dance and shake her head, throwing her fierce and terrible
eyes upon Paris and promising that if it pleased him to give
her the victory of beauty, shee would make him the most
strong and victorious man alive.  Then came Venus and
presented her selfe in the middle of the Theater, with much
favour of all the people, for shee was accompanied with a
great many of youth, whereby you would have judged them all
to be Cupidoes, either to have flowne from heaven or else
from the river of the sea, for they had wings, arrowes, and
the residue of their habit according in each point, and they
bare in their hands torches lighted, as though it had beene
a day of marriage.  Then came in a great multitude of faire
maidens: on the one side were the most comely Graces: on the
other side, the most beautifull Houres carrying garlands and
loose flowers, and making great honor to the goddesse of
pleasure; the flutes and Pipes yeelded out the sweet sound
of Lydians, whereby they pleased the minds of the standers
by exceedingly, but the more pleasing Venus mooved forward
more and more, and shaking her head answered by her motion
and gesture, to the sound of the instruments.  For sometimes
she would winke gently, sometimes threaten and looke
aspishly, and sometimes dance onely with her eyes: As soone
as she was come before the Judge, she made a signe and token
to give him the most fairest spouse of all the world, if he
would prefer her above the residue of the goddesses.  Then
the young Phrygian shepheard Paris with a willing mind
delivered the golden Apple to Venus, which was the victory
of beauty.  Why doe ye marvell, ye Orators, ye Lawyers, and
Advocates, if many of our judges now a daies sell their
judgements for money, when as in the beginning of the world
one onely Grace corrupted the sentence betweene God and men,
and that one rusticall Judge and shepheard appointed by the
counsell of great Jupiter, sold his judgement for a little
pleasure, which was the cause afterward of the ruine of all
his progeny?  By like manner of meane, was sentence given
between the noble Greekes: For the noble and valiant
personage Palamedes was convicted and attainted of treason,
by false perswasion and accusation, and Ulisses being but of
base condition, was preferred in Martiall prowesse above
great Ajax.  What judgement was there likewise amongst the
Athenian lawyers, sage and expert in all sciences?  Was not
Socrates who was preferred by Apollo, above all the wise men
in the world, by envy and malice of wicked persons
impoysoned with the herbe Cicuta, as one that corrupted the
youth of the countrey, whom alwaies be kept under by
correction?  For we see now a dayes many excellent
Philosophers greatly desire to follow his sect, and by
perpetual study to value and revolve his workes, but to the
end I may not be reproved of indignation by any one that
might say: What, shall we suffer an Asse to play the
Philosopher? I will returne to my further purpose.

After the judgement of Paris was ended, Juno and Pallas
departed away angerly, shewing by their gesture, that they
would revenge themselves on Paris, but Venus that was right
pleased and glad in her heart, danced about the Theater with
much joy.  This done from the top of the hill through a
privy spout, ran a floud of the colour of Saffron, which
fell upon the Goates, and changed their white haire into
yellow, with a sweet odour to all them of the Theater.  By
and by after by certaine engines, the ground opened, and
swallowed up the hill of wood: and then behold there came a
man of armes through the multitude, demanding by the consent
of the people, the woman who was condemned to the beasts,
and appointed for me to have to doe withall: our bed was
finely and bravely prepared, and covered with silke and
other things necessary.  But I, beside the shame to commit
this horrible fact, and to pollute my body with this wicked
harlot did greatly feare the danger of death: for I thought
in my selfe, that when she and I were together, the savage
beast appointed to devour the woman, was not so instructed
and taught, or would so temper his greedinesse, as that hee
would teare her in peeces lying under mee, and spare mee
with a regard of mine innocency.  Wherefore I was more
carefull for the safeguard of my life, then for the shame
that I should abide, but in the meane season while my master
made ready the bed, all the residue did greatly delight to
see the hunting and pleasantnesse of the triumph, I began to
think and devise for my selfe.  When I perceived that no man
had regard to mee, that was so tame and gentle an Asse, I
stole out of the gate that was next to me, and then I ran
away with all force, and came to Cenchris, which is the most
famous towne of all the Carthaginians, bordering upon the
Seas called Ageum, and Saronicum, where is a great and
mighty Haven, frequented with many a sundry Nation.  There
because I would avoyd the multitude of the people. I went to
a secret place of the Sea coast, where I laid me down upon
the sand, to ease and refresh my selfe, for the day was past
and the Sunne gone downe, and lying in this sort on the
ground, did fall in a sound sleepe.




THE ELEVENTH BOOKE



THE FORTY-SEVENTH CHAPTER

How Apuleius by Roses and prayer returned to his humane
shape.


When midnight came that I had slept my first sleepe, I
awaked with suddaine feare, and saw the Moone shining
bright, as when shee is at the full, and seeming as though
she leaped out of the Sea.  Then thought I with my selfe,
that that was the most secret time, when the goddesse Ceres
had most puissance and force, considering that all humane
things be governed by her providence: and not onely all
beasts private and tame, but also all wild and savage beasts
be under her protection.  And considering that all bodies in
the heavens, the earth and the seas, be by her increasing
motions increased, and by her diminishing motions
diminished: as weary of all my cruell fortune and calamity,
I found good hope and soveraigne remedy, though it were very
late, to be delivered from all my misery, by invocation and
prayer, to the excellent beauty of the Goddesse, whom I saw
shining before mine eyes, wherefore shaking off mine Assie
and drowsie sleepe, I arose with a joyfull face, and mooved
by a great affection to purifie my selfe, I plunged my selfe
seven times into the water of the Sea, which number of seven
is conveniable and agreeable to holy and divine things, as
the worthy and sage Philosopher Pythagoras hath declared.
Then with a weeping countenance, I made this Orison to the
puissant Goddesse, saying: O blessed Queene of heaven,
whether thou be the Dame Ceres which art the originall and
motherly nource of all fruitfull things in earth, who after
the finding of thy daughter Proserpina, through the great
joy which thou diddest presently conceive, madest barraine
and unfruitfull ground to be plowed and sowne, and now thou
inhabitest in the land of Eleusie; or whether thou be the
celestiall Venus, who in the beginning of the world diddest
couple together all kind of things with an ingendered love,
by an eternall propagation of humane kind, art now
worshipped within the Temples of the Ile Paphos, thou which
art the sister of the God Ph<oe>bus, who nourishest so many
people by the generation of beasts, and art now adored at
the sacred places of Ephesus, thou which art horrible
Proserpina, by reason of the deadly howlings which thou
yeeldest, thou hast the power to stoppe and put away the
invasion of the hags and Ghoasts which appeare unto men, and
to keepe them downe in the closures of the earth: thou which
nourishest all the fruits of the world by thy vigor and
force; with whatsoever name or fashion it is lawfull to call
upon thee, I pray thee, to end my great travaile and misery,
and deliver mee from the wretched fortune, which had so long
time pursued me.  Grant peace and rest if it please thee to
my adversities, for I have endured too too [sic] much labour
and perill.  Remoove from me my shape of mine Asse, and
render to me my pristine estate, and if I have offended in
any point of divine Majesty, let me rather dye then live,
for I am full weary of life.  When I had ended this orison,
and discovered my plaints to the Goddesse, I fortuned to
fall asleepe, and by and by appeared unto me a divine and
venerable face, worshipped even of the Gods themselves.
Then by little and little I seemed to see the whole figure
of her body, mounting out of the sea and standing before
mee, wherefore I purpose to describe her divine semblance,
if the poverty of my humane speech will suffer me, or her
divine power give me eloquence thereto.  First shee had a
great abundance of haire, dispersed and scattered about her
neck, on the crowne of her head she bare many garlands
enterlaced with floures, in the middle of her forehead was a
compasse in fashion of a glasse, or resembling the light of
the Moone, in one of her hands she bare serpents, in the
other, blades of corne, her vestiment was of fine silke
yeelding divers colours, sometime yellow, sometime rosie,
sometime flamy, and sometime (which troubled my spirit sore)
darke and obscure, covered with a blacke robe in manner of a
shield, and pleated in most subtill fashion at the skirts of
her garments, the welts appeared comely, whereas here and
there the starres glimpsed, and in the middle of them was
placed the Moone, which shone like a flame of fire, round
about the robe was a coronet or garland made with flowers
and fruits.  In her right hand shee had a timbrell of
brasse, which gave a pleasant sound, in her left hand shee
bare a cup of gold, out of the mouth whereof the serpent
Aspis lifted up his head, with a swelling throat, her
odoriferous feete were covered with shoes interlaced and
wrought with victorious palme.  Thus the divine shape
breathing out the pleasant spice of fertill Arabia,
disdained not with her divine voyce to utter these words
unto me: Behold Lucius I am come, thy weeping and prayers
hath mooved mee to succour thee.  I am she that is the
naturall mother of all things, mistresse and governesse of
all the Elements, the initiall progeny of worlds, chiefe of
powers divine, Queene of heaven, the principall of the Gods
celestiall, the light of the goddesses: at my will the
planets of the ayre, the wholesome winds of the Seas, and
the silences of hell be disposed; my name, my divinity is
adored throughout all the world in divers manners, in
variable customes and in many names, for the Phrygians call
me the mother of the Gods: the Athenians, Minerva: the
Cyprians, Venus: the Candians, Diana: the Sicilians
Proserpina: the Eleusians, Ceres: some Juno, other Bellona,
other Hecate: and principally the <AE>thiopians which dwell
in the Orient, and the <AE>gyptians which are excellent in
all kind of ancient doctrine, and by their proper ceremonies
accustome to worship mee, doe call mee Queene Isis.  Behold
I am come to take pitty of thy fortune and tribulation,
behold I am present to favour and ayd thee, leave off thy
weeping and lamentation, put away thy sorrow, for behold the
healthfull day which is ordained by my providence, therefore
be ready to attend to my commandement.  This day which shall
come after this night, is dedicated to my service, by an
eternall religion, my Priests and Ministers doe accustome
after the tempests of the Sea, be ceased, to offer in my
name a new ship as a first fruit of my Navigation.  I
command thee not to prophane or despise the sacrifice in any
wise, for the great Priest shall carry this day following in
procession by my exhortation, a Garland of Roses, next the
timbrell of his right hand: follow thou my procession
amongst the people, and when thou commest to the Priest make
as though thou wouldest kisse his hand, but snatch at the
Roses, whereby I will put away the skin and shape of an
Asse, which kind of beast I have long time abhorred and
despised, but above all beware thou doubt not nor feare any
of those things, as hard and difficill to bee brought to
passe, for in the same houre that I am come to thee, I have
commanded the Priest by a vision what he shall doe, and all
the people by my commandement shall be compelled to give
thee place and say nothing!  Moreover, thinke not that
amongst so faire and joyfull Ceremonies, and in so good a
company that any person shall abhorre thy ill-favoured and
deformed figure, or that any man shall be so hardy, as to
blame and reprove thy suddaine restoration to humane shape,
wherby they should gather or conceive any sinister opinion:
and know thou this of certaine, that the residue of thy life
untill the houre of death shall be bound and subject to me!
And think it not an injury to be alwayes serviceable towards
me, since as by my meane and benefit thou shalt live
glorious by my guide and protection, and when thou
descendest to Hell, where thou shalt see me shine in that
subterene place, shining (as thou seest me now) in the
darkness of Acheron, and raigning in the deepe profundity of
Stix, thou shalt worship me, as one that hath been
favourable to thee, and if I perceive that thou art obedient
to my commandement, addict to my religion, and merite my
divine grace, know thou, that I will prolong thy daies above
the time that the fates have appointed, and the celestial
Planets ordeined.  When the divine Image had spoken these
words, she vanished away!  By and by when I awaked, I arose,
haveing the members of my bodie mixed with feare, joy and
sweate, and marvailed at the cleare presence of the puissant
goddesse, and being sprinkled with the water of the sea, I
recounted orderly her admonition and divine commandements.
Soone after, the darknes chased away, and the cleare and
golden sunne arose, whenas behold I saw the streets
replenished with people going in a religious sort and in
great triumph.  All things seemed that day to be joyfull, as
well all manner of beasts and houses, as also the very day
it selfe seemed to rejoyce.  For after the hore-frost,
ensued the hot and temperat sun, whereby the little birds
weening that the spring time had bin come, did chirp and
sing in their steven melodiously: the mother of stars, the
parent of times, and mistres of all the world: The fruitful
trees rejoyced at their fertility: The barren and sterill
were contented at their shadow, rendering sweete and
pleasant shrills!  The seas were quiet from winds and
tempests: The heaven had chaced away the clouds, and
appeared faire and cleare with his proper light.  Behold
then more and more appeared the pomps and processions,
attired in regall manner and singing joyfully: One was
girded about the middle like a man of armes: Another bare
and spare, and had a cloake and high-shooes like a hunter!
another was attired in a robe of silke, and socks of gold,
having his haire laid out, and dressed in forme of a woman!
There was another ware legged-harnesse, and bare a target, a
sallet, and a speare like a martial souldier: after him
marched one attired in purple with vergers before him like a
magistrate! after him followed one with a maurell[*], a staffe,
a paire of pantofles, and with a gray beard, signifying a
philosopher: after him went one with lime, betokening a
fowler, another with hookes declaring a fisher: I saw there
a meeke and tame beare, which in matron habite was carried
on a stoole: An Ape with a bonet on his head, and covered
with lawne[*], resemling [sic] a shepheard, and bearing a cup
of gold in his hand: an Asse which had wings glewed to his
backe, and went after an old man, whereby you would judge
the one to be Pegasus, and the other Bellephoron.  Amongst
the pleasures and popular delectations, which wandered
hither and thither, you might see the pompe of the goddesse
triumphantly march forward: The woman [sic] attired in white
vestiments, and rejoysing, in that they bare garlands and
flowres upon their heads, bespread the waies with hearbes,
which they bare in their aprons, where this regall and
devout procession should passe: Other caried glasses on
their backes, to testifie obeysance to the goddes which came
after.  Other bare combes of Ivory, and declared by their
gesture and motions of their armes, that they were ordained
and readie to dresse the goddesse: Others dropped in the
wayes as they went Balme and other pretious ointments: Then
came a great number, as well of men as women, with candels,
torches, and other lights, doing honour to the celestiall
goddesse: After that sounded the musicall harmony of
instruments: then came a faire companie of youth, apparelled
in white vestiments, singing both meeter and verse, with a
comely grace which some studious Poet had made in honour of
the Muses: In the meane season, arrived the blowers of
trumpets, which were dedicated unto Serapis, and to the
temple before them were officers and bedles, preparing roome
for the goddes to passe.  Then came the great company of men
and women, which had taken divine orders, whose garments
glistered all the streets over.  The women had their haire
annointed and their heads covered with linnen: but the men
had their crowns shaven, which were the terrene stars of the
goddesse, holding in their hands instruments of brasse,
silver and gold, which rendered a pleasant sound.  The
principall Priests which were apparelled with white
surplesses hanging downe to the ground, bare the relikes of
the puissant goddesse.  One carried in his hand a light, not
unlike to those which we used in our houses, saving that in
the middle thereof appeared a bole which rendred a more
bright flame.  The second attired like the other bare in his
hand an Altar, which the goddesse her selfe named the
succour of the nations.  The third held a tree of palme with
leaves of gold, and the verge of Mercurie.  The fourth
shewed out a token of equitie by his left hand, which was
deformed in every place, signifiing thereby more equitie
then by the right hand.  The same Priest carried a round
vessell of gold, in forme of a cap.  The fift bare a van,
wrought with springs of gold, and another carried a vessell
for wine: By and by after the goddesse followed a foot as
men do, and specially Mercurie, the messenger of the
goddesse infernall and supernall, with his face sometime
black, sometime faire, lifting up the head of the dogges
Annubis, and bearing in his left hand, his verge, and in his
right hand, the branches of a palme tree, after whom
followed a cow with an upright gate, representing the figure
of the great goddesse, and he that guided her, marched on
with much gravity.  Another carried after the secrets of
their religion, closed in a coffer.  There was one that bare
on his stomacke a figure of his god, not formed like any
beast, bird, savage thing or human shape, but made by a new
invention, whereby was signified that such a religion should
not be discovered or revealed to any person.  There was a
vessell wrought with a round bottome, haveing on the one
side, pictures figured like unto the manner of the
Egyptians, and on the other side was an eare, whereupon
stoode the Serpent Aspis, holding out his scaly necke.
Finally, came he which was apointed to my good fortun
according to the promise of the goddesse.  For the great
Priest which bare the restoration of my human shape, by the
commandement of the goddes, approached more and more,
bearing in his left hand the timbrill, and in the other a
garland of Roses to give me, to the end I might be delivered
from cruel fortune, which was alwaies mine enemie, after the
sufferance of so much calamitie and paine, and after the
endurance of so manie perilles: Then I not returning
hastilie, by reason of sodaine joye, lest I should disturbe
the quiet procession with mine importunitie, but going
softly through the prease of the people, which gave me place
on every side, went after the Priest.  The priest being
admonished the night before, as I might well perceive stood
still and holding out his hand, thrust out the garland of
roses into my mouth, I (trembling) devoured with a great
affection: And as soone as I had eaten them, I was not
deceived of the promise made unto me.  For my deforme and
Assie face abated, and first the rugged haire of my body
fell off, my thick skin waxed soft and tender, the hoves of
my feet changes into toes, my hands returned againe, my neck
grew short, my head and mouth began round, my long eares
were made little, my great and stonie teeth waxed less like
the teeth of men, and my tayle which combred me most,
appeared no where: then the people began to marvaile, and
the religious honoured the goddesse, for so evident a
miracle, they wondered at the visions which they saw in the
night, and the facilitie of my reformation, whereby they
rendered testimonie of so great a benefit which I received
of the goddesse.  When I saw my selfe in such estate, I
stood still a good space and said nothing, for I could not
tell what to say, nor what word I shoulde first speake, nor
what thanks I should render to the goddesse, but the great
Priest understanding all my fortune and miserie, by divine
advertisement, commanded that one should give me garments to
cover me: Howbeit as soone as I was transformed from an asse
to my humane shape, I hid the privitie of my body with my
hands as shame and necessity compelled mee.  Then one of the
company put off his upper robe and put it on my backe: which
done, the Priest looked upon me, with a sweete and benigne
voice, gan say in this sort: O my friend Lucius, after the
endurance of so many labours, and the escape of so many
tempests of fortune, thou art at length come to the port and
haven of rest and mercy: neither did thy noble linage, thy
dignity, thy doctrine, or any thing prevaile, but that thou
hast endured so many servil pleasures, by a little folly of
thy youthfullnes, whereby thou hast had a sinister reward
for thy unprosperous curiositie, but howsoever the blindnes
of fortune tormented thee in divers dangers: so it is, that
now unawares to her, thou art come to this present
felicitie: let fortune go, and fume with fury in another
place, let her finde some other matter to execute her
cruelty, for fortune hath no puissance against them which
serve and honour our goddesse.  For what availed the
theeves: the beasts savage: thy great servitude: the ill and
dangerous waies: the long passages: the feare of death every
day?  Know thou, that now thou art safe, and under the
protection of her, who by her cleare light doth lighten the
other gods: wherefore rejoyce and take a convenable
countenance to thy white habit, follow the pomp of this
devout and honorable procession, to the end that such which
be not devout to the Goddes, may see and acknowledge their
errour.  Behold Lucius, thou art delivered from so great
miseries, by the providence of the goddesse Isis, rejoyce
therefore and triumph of the victory of fortune; to the end
thou maist live more safe and sure, make thy selfe one of
this holy order, dedicate thy minde to the Obsequy of our
Religion, and take upon thee a voluntary yoake of ministrie:
And when thou beginnest to serve and honour the goddes, then
thou shalt feele the fruit of thy liberty: After that the
great Priest had prophesied in this manner, with often
breathings, he made a conclusion of his words: Then I went
amongst the company of the rest and followed the procession:
everie one of the people knew me, and pointing at me with
their fingers, said in this sort: Behold him who is this day
transformed into a man by the puissance of the soveraigne
goddesse, verily he is blessed and most blessed that hath
merited so great grace from heaven, as by the innocencie of
his former life, and as it were by a new regeneration is
reserved to the obsequie of the goddesse.  In the meane
season by little and little we approached nigh unto the sea
cost, even to that place where I lay the night before being
an Asse.  There after the images and reliques were orderly
disposed, the great Priest compassed about with divers
pictures according to the fashion of the <AE>gyptians, did
dedicate and consecrate with certaine prayers a fair ship
made very cunningly, and purified the same with a torch, an
egge, and sulphur; the saile was of white linnen cloath,
whereon was written certaine letters, which testified the
navigation to be prosperous, the mast was of a great length,
made of a Pine tree, round and very excellent with a shining
top, the cabin was covered over with coverings of gold, and
all the shippe was made of Citron tree very faire; then all
the people as well religious as prophane tooke a great
number of Vannes, replenished with odours and pleasant
smells and threw them into the sea mingled with milke,
untill the ship was filled up with large gifts and
prosperous devotions, when as with a pleasant wind it
lanched out into the deep.  But when they had lost the sight
of the ship, every man caried againe that he brought, and
went toward the temple in like pompe and order as they came
to the sea side.  When we were come to the temple, the
divine figures, but especially those which had long time bin
worshippers of the religion, went into the secret chamber of
the goddesse, where they put and placed the images according
to their ordor [sic].  This done, one of the company which
was a scribe or interpreter of letters, who in forme of a
preacher stood up in a chaire before the place of the holy
college, and began to reade out of a booke, and to interpret
to the great prince, the senate, and to all the noble order
of chivalry, and generally to all the Romane people, and to
all such as be under the jurisdiction of Rome, these words
following (~Laois Aphesus~) which signified the end of their
divin service and that it was lawfull for every man to
depart, whereat all the people gave a great showt, and
replenished with much joy, bare all kind of hearbs and
garlands of flowers home to their houses, kissing and
imbracing the steps where the goddesse passed: howbeit I
could not doe as the rest, for my mind would not suffer me
to depart one foot away, so attentiv was I to behold the
beauty of the goddesse, with remembrance of the great
miserie I had endured.



THE FORTY-EIGHTH CHAPTER

How the parents and friends of Apuleius heard news that he
was alive and in good health.


In the meane season newes was carried into my countrey (as
swift as the flight of birds, or as the blast of windes) of
the grace and benefit which I received of the goddesse, and
of my fortune worthy to be had in memory.  Then my parents
friends and servants of our house understanding that I was
not dead, as they were falsely informed, came towards me
with great diligence to see me, as a man raised from death
to life: and I which never thought to see them againe, was
as joyfull as they, accepting and taking in good part their
honest gifts and oblations that they gave, to the intent I
might buy such things as was necessarie for my body: for
after I had made relation unto them of all my pristine
miserie, and present joyes, I went before the face of the
goddesse and hired me a house within the cloister of the
temple to the end I might continually be ready to the
service of the goddesse, and ordinarily frequent the company
of the priests, whereby I would wholy become devout to the
goddesse, and an inseparable worshipper of her divine name:
It fortuned that the goddesse appeared to me oftentimes in
the night perswading and commanding me to take the order of
her religion, but I, though I was indued with a desirous
good will, yet the feare of the same withheld me considering
her obeysance was hard and difficile, the chastitie of the
Priests intolerable, and the life fraile and subject to
manie inconveniences.  Being thus in doubt, I refrained my
selfe from all those things as seemed impossible.

On a night the great priest appeared unto me, presenting his
lap full of treasure, and when I demanded what it signified,
he answered, that it was sent me from the countrey of
Thessaly, and that a servant of mine named Candidus was
arived likewise: when I was awake, I mused in my selfe what
this vision should pretend, considering I had never any
servant called by that name: but what soever it did
signifie, this I verely thought, that it was a foreshew of
gaine and prosperous chance: while I was thus astonied I
went to the temple, and taried there till the opening of the
gates, then I went in and began to pray before the face of
the goddesse, the Priest prepared and set the divine things
of every Altar, and pulled out the fountaine and holy
vessell with solempne [sic] supplication.  Then they began
to sing the mattens of the morning, testifying thereby the
houre of the prime.  By and by behold arived my servant
which I had left in the country, when Fotis by errour made
me an Asse, bringing with him my horse, recovered by her
through certaine signes and tokens which I had upon my
backe.  Then I perceived the interpretation of my dreame, by
reason that beside the promise of gaine, my white horse was
restored to me, which was signified by the argument of my
servant Candidus.

This done I retired to the service of the goddesse in hope
of greater benefits, considering I had received a signe and
token, whereby my courage increased every day more and more
to take upon me the orders and sacraments of the temple:
insomuch that I oftentimes communed with the Priest,
desiring him greatly to give me the degree of the religion,
but he which was a man of gravitie, and well renowned in the
order of priesthood, deferred my affection from day to day,
with comfort and better hope, as parents commonly bridle the
desires of their children, when they attempt or indeavour
any unprofitable thing, saying, that the day when any one
should be admitted into their order is appointed by the
goddesse, the Priest which should minister the sacrifices is
chosen by her providence, and the necessary charges of the
ceremonies is alotted by her commandement, all which things
he willed me to attend with marvailous patience, and that I
should beware either of too much hastinesse, or too great
slacknesse, considering that there was like danger, if being
called I should delay: or not called I should be hasty:
moreover he said that there was none of his company either
of so desperate a mind, or so rash and hardy, as to
enterprise any thing without the commandement of the
goddesse, whereby he should commit a deadly offence,
considering that it was in her power to damne and save all
persons, and if any were at the point of death, and in the
way to damnation, so that he were capable to receive the
secrets of the goddesse, it was in her power by divine
providence to reduce him to the path of health, as by a
certaine kind of regeneration: Finally he said that I must
attend the celestiall precept[*], although it was evident and
plaine, that the goddesse had already vouchsafed to call and
appoint me to her ministery, and to will me to refraine from
prophane and unlawfull meates, as those Priests which were
already received, to the end I might come more apt and
cleane to the knowledge of the secrets of religion. Then was
I obedient unto these words, and attentive with meek
quietnesse, and probable taciturnity, I daily served at the
temple: in the end the wholesome gentlenesse of the goddesse
did nothing deceive me, for in the night she appeared to me
in a vision, shewing that the day was come which I had
wished for so long, she told me what provision and charges I
should be at, and how that she had appointed her
principallest Priest Mythra to be minister with me in my
sacrifices.

When I heard these divine commandements, I greatly rejoyced:
and arose before day to speake with the great Priest, whom I
fortuned to espie comming out of his chamber: Then I saluted
him, and thought with my selfe to aske and demand his
counsell with a bold courage, but as soone as he perceived
me, he began first to say: O Lucius now know I well that
thou art most happy and blessed, whom the divine goddesse
doth so greatly accept with mercy, why dost thou delay?
Behold the day which thou desiredst when as thou shalt
receive at my hands the order of religion, and know the most
pure secrets of the gods, whereupon the old man tooke me by
the hand, and lead me to the gate of the great temple, where
at the first entrie he made a solemnpne [sic] celebration,
and after morning sacrifice ended, brought out of the secret
place of the temple books, partly written with unknown
characters, and partly painted with figures of beasts
declaring briefly every sentence, with tops and tailes,
turning in fashion of a wheele, which were strange and
impossible to be read of the prophane people: There he
interpreted to me such things as were necessary to the use
and preparation of mine order.  This done, I gave charge to
certaine of my companions to buy liberally, whatsoever was
needfull and convenient, then he brought me to the next
bains accompanied with all the religious sort, and demanding
pardon of the goddesse, washed me and purified my body,
according to custome.  After this, when noone approached, he
brought me backe againe to the temple, presented me before
the face of the goddesse, giving a charge of certaine secret
things unlawfull to be uttered, and commanding me, and
generally all the rest, to fast by the space of ten
continuall daies, without eating of any beast, or drinking
any wine, which thing I observed with a marvellous
continencie.  Then behold the day approached, when as the
sacrifice should be done, and when night came there arrived
on every coast, a great multitude of Priests, who according
to their order offered me many presents and gifts: then was
all the Laity and prophane people commanded to depart, and
when they had put on my back a linnen robe, they brought me
to the most secret and sacred place of all the temple.  You
would peradventure demand (you studious reader) what was
said and done there, verely I would tell you if it were
lawfull for me to tell, you should know if it were
convenient for you to heare, but both thy eares, and my
tongue shall incur the like paine of rash curiositie:
Howbeit, I will content thy mind for this present time,
which peradventure is somewhat religious and given to some
devotion, listen therefore and beleeve it to be true: Thou
shalt understand that I approached neere unto Hell, even to
the gates of Proserpina, and after that, I was ravished
throughout all the Element, I returned to my proper place:
About midnight I saw the Sun shine, I saw likewise the gods
celestiall and gods infernall, before whom I presented my
selfe, and worshipped them: Behold now have I told thee,
which although thou hast heard, yet it is necessarie thou
conceale it; this have I declared without offence, for the
understanding of the prophane.

When morning came, and that the solemnities were finished, I
came forth sanctified with xii. Stoles and in a religious
habit, whereof I am not forbidden to speake, considering
that many persons saw me at that time: there I was commanded
to stand upon a seat of wood, which stood in the middle of
the temple, before the figure and remembrance of the
goddesse; my vestiment was of fine linnen, covered and
embroidered with flowers.  I had a pretious Cope[*] upon my
shoulders hanging downe to the ground, whereon were beasts
of divers colours, as Indian dragons, and Hiperborian
Griphons, whom in forme of birds, the other world doth
ingender; the Priests commonly call such a habit, a
celestiall Stole: in my right hand I carried a light torch,
and a garland of flowers upon my head, with Palme leaves
sprouting out on every side: I was adorned like unto the
Sun, and made in fashion of an Image, in such sort that all
the people compassed about to behold me: then they began to
solemnize the feast of the nativitie, and the new procession
with sumptuous bankets and delicate meates: the third day
was likewise celebrated with like ceremonies with a
religious dinner, and with all the consummation of the
order: when I had continued there a good space, I conceived
a marvailous great pleasure and consolation in beholding
ordinarily the Image of the goddesse, who at length
admonished me to depart homeward, not without rendring of
thanks, which although it were not sufficient, yet they were
according to my power.  Howbeit I could unneth[*] be perswaded
to depart, before I had fallen prostrate before the face of
the goddesse, and wiped her steps with my face, whereby I
began so greatly to weepe and sigh that my words were
interrupted, and as devouring my prayer, I began to say in
this sort: O holy and blessed dame, the perpetuall comfort
of humane kind, who by thy bounty and grace nourishest all
the world, and bearest a great affection to the adversities
of the miserable, as a loving mother thou takest no rest,
neither art thou idle at any time in giving thy benefits,
and succoring all men, as well on land as sea; thou art she
that puttest away all stormes and dangers from mans life by
thy right hand, whereby likewise thou restrainest the fatall
dispositions, appeasest the great tempests of fortune and
keepest backe the course of the stars: the gods supernall
doe honour thee: the gods infernall have thee in reverence:
thou environest all the world, thou givest light to the
Sunne, thou governest the world, thou treadest downe the
power of hell: By thy meane the times returne, the Planets
rejoyce, the Elements serve: at thy commandment the winds do
blow, the clouds increase, the seeds prosper, and the fruits
prevaile, the birds of the aire, the beasts of the hill. the
serpents of the den, and the fishes of the sea, do tremble
at thy majesty, but my spirit is not able to give thee
sufficient praise, my patrimonie is unable to satisfie thy
sacrifice, my voice hath no power to utter that which I
thinke, no if I had a thousand mouths and so many tongues:
Howbeit as a good religious person, and according to my
estate, I will alwaies keepe thee in remembrance and close
thee within my breast.  When I had ended mine orison, I went
to embrace the great Priest Mythra my spirituall father, and
to demand his pardon, considering I was unable to recompence
the good which he had done to me: after great greeting and
thanks I departed from him to visit my parents and friends;
and within a while after by the exhortation of the goddesse,
I made up my packet, and tooke shipping toward the Citie of
Rome, where with a prosperous winde I arrived about the xii.
day of December.  And the greatest desire that I had there,
was daily to make my praiers to the soveraigne goddesse
Isis, who by reason of the place where her temple was
builded, was called Campensis, and continually adored of the
people of Rome.  Her minister and worshipper was I, howbeit
I was a stranger to her Church, and unknowne to her religion
there.

When the yeare was ended, and the goddesse warned me againe
to receive this new order and consecration, I marvailed
greatly what it should signifie, and what should happen,
considering that I was a sacred person already.  But it
fortuned that while I partly reasoned with my selfe, and
partly examining the thing with the Priests and Bishops,
there came a new and marvailous thought in my mind, that is
to say, I was onely religious to the goddesse Isis, but not
sacred to the religion of great Osiris, the soveraigne
father of all the goddesses, between whom, although there
was a religious unitie and concord, yet there was a great
difference of order and ceremony.  And because it was
necessary that I should likewise be a minister unto Osiris,
there was no long delay: for in the night after, appeared
unto me one of that order, covered with linnen robes,
holding in his hands speares wrapped in Ivie, and other
things not convenient to declare, which then he left in my
chamber, and sitting in my seate, recited to me such things
as were necessary for the sumptuous banket of mine entrie.
And to the end I might know him againe, he shewed me how the
ankle of his left foote was somewhat maimed, which caused
him a little to halt.

After that I manifestly knew the will of the God Osiris,
when mattins was ended, I went from one to another, to find
him out which had the halting marke on his foote, according
as I learned by my vision; at length I found it true: for I
perceived one of the company of the Priests who had not
onely the token of his foote, but the stature and habite of
his body, resembling in every point as he appeared in the
night: he was called Asinius Marcellus, a name not much
disagreeing from my transformation.  By and by I went to
him, which knew well enough all the matter, as being
monished by like precept in the night: for the night before
as he dressed the flowers and garlands about the head of the
god Osiris, he understood by the mouth of the image which
told the predestinations of all men, how he had sent a poore
man of Madura, to whom he should minister his sacraments, to
the end hee should receive a reward by divine providence,
and the other glory, for his vertuous studies.  When I saw
my selfe thus deputed unto religion, my desire was stopped
by reason of povertie, for I had spent a great part of my
goods in travell and peregrination, but most of all in the
Citie of Rome, whereby my low estate withdrew me a great
while.

In the end being oft times stirred forward, not without
great trouble of mind, I was constrained to sell my robe for
a little money: howbeit sufficient for all my affaires.
Then the Priest spake unto me saying, How is it that for a
little pleasure thou art not afraid to sell thy vestiments,
and entring into so great ceremonies, fearest to fall into
povertie?  Prepare thy selfe, and abstaine from all animall
meats, as beasts and fish.  In the meane season I frequented
the sacrifices of Serapis, which were done in the night,
which thing gave me great comfort to my peregrination, and
ministred unto me more plentifull living, considering I
gained some money in haunting the court, by reason of my
Latin tongue.

Immediately after I was eftsoones called and admonished by
the god Osiris, to receive a third order of religion.  Then
I was greatly astonied, because I could not tell what this
new vision signified, or what the intent of the celestiall
god was, doubting least the former Priests had given me ill
counsell, and fearing that they had not faithfully
instructed me: being in this manner as it were incensed the
god Osiris appeared to me the night following, and giving me
admonition said, There is no occasion why thou shouldest be
afraid with so often order of religion, as though there were
somewhat omitted, but that thou shouldest rather rejoyce,
since as it hath pleased the gods to call thee three times,
when as there was never yet any person that achieved to the
order but once: wherefore thou maist thinke thy selfe happy
for so great benefits.  And know thou that the religion
which thou must now receive, is right necessary, if thou
meane to persever in the worshipping of the goddesse, and to
make solempnity [sic] on the festivall day with the blessed
habite, which thing shall be a glory and renowne to thee.

After this sort, the divine majesty perswaded me in my
sleepe, whereupon by and by I went towards the Priest, and
declared all that which I had seene, then I fasted ten dayes
according to the custome, and of mine owne proper will I
abstained longer then I was commanded: and verely I did
nothing repent of the paine which I had taken, and of the
charges which I was at, considering that the divine
providence had given me such an order, that I gained much
money in pleading of causes: Finally after a few dayes, the
great god Osiris appeared to me in the night, not disguised
in any other forme, but in his owne essence, commanding me
that I should be an Advocate in the court, and not feare the
slander and envie of ill persons, which beare me stomacke
and grudge by reason of my doctrine, which I had gotten by
much labour: moreover, he would not that I should be any
longer of the number of his Priests, but he allotted me to
be one of the Decurions and Senatours: and after he
appointed me a place within the ancient pallace, which was
erected in the time of Silla, where I executed my office in
great joy with a shaven crowne.



GLOSSARY


Affiance: confidence, trust, faith in (somebody) [MED]
Apayed: satisfied, content or pleased [MED]
Attend: to wait for
Bandog: a dog kept tied up as a guard, or for its ferocity [CED]
Betimes: early
Barke: a boat
Blame: to rebuke or scold [MED]
Caitif: a captive.  Also a mean, niggardly person [GTSW]
Cavellation: a quibble
Chuffe: a churlish miser [GTSW]
Clout: a piece of cloth or linen, a rag [GTSW]
Coat: a house or shack
Commonweale: public welfare, public property.
Cope: a semicircular sleeveless hooded vestment [CED]
Cosses: thighs
Dastards: cowards
Delay: to dilute [GTSW]
Detect: to reveal
Discover: to disclose, to reveal
Dissemble: to disguise, to mask, to feign, to assume a false appearance [CED]
Dolour: pain
Eke: in addition, likewise [CED]
Erst: once, formerly
Fain: (v.) to put on a false appearance,  e.g. he fained much sorrow.
Fain: (adv.) willingly,  e.g. I would fain speake
Fardel: a bundle, a pack, a burden. [CED]
Fet: to fetch [CED]
Fuller: one whose occupation is to cleanse and thicken cloth
Gan: to begin [CED]
Glimpse: to shine faintly, to glimmer [GTSW]
Gree: goodwill, favour, pleasure, satisfaction
Habiliment: an outfit, accoutrement, attire [GTSW]
Importunate: unreasonably solicitous or urgent; insupportable; troublesome
Incontinently: immediately [GTSW]
Krippin: (may be related to Crippe: a small bag, a pouch [MED])
Lawne: a cotton or linen fabric, finer than cambric
Masties: mastiffs
Maugre: in spite of [DAP]
Maurell: (may be related to Mawroll: the white-horehound [DAP])
Mow: a stack of corn [DAP]
Pannier: a basket
Pantofles/Pantofiles: slippers
Paps: breasts
Partlet: a neckerchief [GTSW]
Pismares/Pismires: ants
Pole: the upper part
Pottage: boiled vegetables, with or without meat [CED]
Precept: a command, a mandate
Presently: immediately [GTSW]
Preyes: booty, plunder [CED]
Pristine: pertaining to an early state or time
Privily: secretly
Privities: secrets
Proper: own, e.g. "My proper weapons": "My own weapons"
Puissance: strength, power
Puissant: strong, powerful [from the French "puissant"]
Sallet: a salad [DAP]
Sarce: a small hair sieve [DAP]
Shipping: "to take shipping" = "to embark" [CED]
Sive: a sieve [DAP]
Sop: a piece of bread soaked in the dripping under the meat [DAP]
Spice: a slight attack of any disorder [DAP]
Stint: to stop (something) [DAP]
Target: a light round buckler [GTSW] (Buckler: a small hand-held shield).
Travell: work, labour
Twyfold: twofold
Unbrast: removed or relaxed the braces of; loosened
Ungles: claws [from French "ongles"]
Unlaste: unlaced, unfastened. [GTSW]
Unneth: scarcely [DAP]
Utricide: a bag-killer. (from Latin "utris": bag).
Verge: a rod, wand, or staff, carried as an emblem of authority
Verjuice: an acid liquid expressed from crab-apples, unripe grapes etc.
Weale publique, Commonweale: welfare, prosperity [GTSW]
Wot: to know.  e.g. God wot: God knows


Sources:

[CED]: Chambers English Dictionary.
[DAP]: A Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words from the 14th Century,
       by James Orchard Halliwell, London: John Russell Smith, 1881.
[GTSW]: A Glossary of Tudor and Stuart Words; by Walter W. Skeat,
       edited with additions by A. L. Mayhew; Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1914.
[MED]: Middle English Dictionary, by Hans Kurath,
       University of Michigan Press / Oxford University Press, 1956.


[End]
